Sleep Aides for Restless Legs Syndrome or RLS

Good Evening Rose here ..Tonights subject is Restless Legs Syndrome or RLS

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)? RLS is a neurological disorder that is known by the irresistible urge to move your legs. There are four decisive factors you must have in order to be diagnosed with RLS.

• You have a strong urge to move your legs which is hard for you to resist. The need to move is often associated with uncomfortable sensations. Some sensations are described as; creeping, itching, pulling, creepy-crawly, tugging, or gnawing.
• Your RLS symptoms seem to worsen when you are resting. The longer you are rest, the greater the probability the symptoms will happen and the more serious they become.
• Your RLS symptoms feel better when you move your legs. Your RLS relief can be complete or only partial, but generally it will start soon after you begin an activity. Relief continues as long as you keep moving.
• Your RLS symptoms worsen in the evening, especially when you are trying to sleep. Activities that bother you at night do not bother you during the day.

RLS can also cause sleep deprivation one of the main complaints of the syndrome. A large number of people who have RLS also have periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS). These are jerks that occur every 20 to 30 seconds on and off throughout the night. This can cause partial awakenings that disrupt sleep. Sleep deprivation can seriously impact your work, relationships, and health.

The symptoms of RLS vary in severity and duration from person to person. Mild RLS occurs at regular intervals, with only mild interruption at the beginning of sleep, and causes little suffering. In moderately severe cases, symptoms occur only once or twice a week but result in significant delay when trying to fall asleep, with some distraction of daytime activities. In severe cases of RLS, the symptoms occur more than twice a week and result in arduous intervals of sleep and impairment of daytime performance.

Symptoms may begin at any age of life, although the disorder is more common as we age. Sometimes people will experience natural improvement over a period of weeks or months. Although rare, natural improvement over a period of years also can occur. If these improvements occur, it is usually during the initial stages of the disorder. In general, symptoms become more acute over time.

People who have both RLS and another sleep disorder or medical condition often develop more severe symptoms quickly. In contrast, those whose RLS is not associated with any other medical condition and whose onset is at an early age show a very slow development of the disorder and a lot of time may pass before symptoms occur regularly.

What causes RLS? Statistically 50% of the cases show a genetic form of the disorder. These people tend to have RLS at an early age with a slower progression of the condition. In other cases, it appears to be related to the following, although doctors have yet to determine the actual causes of RLS.

1. Low levels of iron or those patients that have anemia. Once levels or anemia are corrected patients see a reduction in symptoms.
2. Medical condition such as Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure or diabetes has been associated with RLS and when treated will provide some relief from RLS.
3. Pregnant women in their last trimester. Most women’s symptoms will go away within a month of delivery.
4. Some medications may cause symptoms. Changing prescriptions can alleviate RLS.
5. Researchers have also found that caffeine, alcohol or tobacco can aggravate or trigger symptoms. It has been shown that eliminating substances may relieve symptoms but unclear if this will prevent RLS from occurring at all.

When treating patients with mild to moderate symptoms, prevention is crucial and many doctors suggest lifestyle and daytime activity changes to reduce or eliminate RLS. Eliminating substances and taking supplements to correct mineral deficiencies such as iron. Changing sleep patterns and maintaining an exercise program that will help patients sleep better. Some symptoms from excessive exercise have been reported. Taking a hot bath or a massage may bring some relief, but show these attempts never eliminate RLS.

Some doctors may offer a variety of prescription medication to treat RLS. Different medications are specifically prescribed for mild to severe symptoms of RLS. Be aware that some drugs such as clonazepam and diazepam can help patients obtain a more restful sleep but they have side effects. Because they are depressants, they can cause daytime restlessness and may induce sleep apnea. People with this condition should not use these medications. Other side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and the risk of addiction.

Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and gabapentin are also useful for some patients, as they decrease the sensations (creeping and crawling). Dizziness, fatigue, and sleepiness are among the possible side effects.

Regrettably, not one drug is effective for every patient with RLS. What may be helpful to one person may actually worsen symptoms for another. In addition, medications taken regularly may lose their effect, making it necessary to change medications periodically. It may take several trials for you and your doctor to find the right medication and dosage for you. A combination of medications may work best.

Other treatments that have been helpful for some patients include; warm/cold baths, electric nerve stimulation, oral magnesium, and acupuncture.

Restless Legs Syndrome is generally a lifelong condition where there is no cure. Today’s current treatments can control the disorder, minimize symptoms and decrease sleep deprivation. If you feel you have RLS, please call a doctor in your area that specializes in the treatment of this disorder. Keep track of the medications and strategies that help or hinder your battle with RLS, and share this information with your doctor. Join a support groups, bring together family members and people with RLS. By participating in a group, your insights not only can help you but also may help someone else.
Good Day
Rose Sheepskill