What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome is also called Willis-Ekbom disease. This condition is known to cause uncomfortable sensations in the legs. There happens an intense urge to move them. The symptoms most often occur at night. This is particularly aggravated when you are trying to sleep. Some researchers say it is a sleep disorder because it usually occurs or gets worse only when you are at rest.
In Whom Is Restless Leg Syndrome Prevalent?
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Women are more commonly affected than men. Middle-aged people are more likely to have restless leg syndrome.
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Malnourished patients have a high possibility of getting restless leg syndrome.
What Are the Contributing Factors of Restless Leg Syndrome?
The factors responsible for restless leg syndrome are:
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Chronic Diseases: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, iron deficiency, kidney failure, renal disease, Parkinson’s disease, and peripheral neuropathy.
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Medications: Long-term medications such as antiemetics, antipsychotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants can cause restless leg syndrome.
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Pregnancy: Some women have restless leg syndrome during pregnancy. This can increase in the last trimester of pregnancy. The symptoms usually vanishes after delivery.
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Lifestyle: Inadequate sleep and sleeping disorders like apnea might trigger the symptoms. The negative influences for restless leg syndrome might be alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
What Are the Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome?
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Genetics - If any of your family members had it, then there are chances for you to get this condition.
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Lack of Dopamine - An imbalance in dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter can lead to many diseases. One such disease is restless leg syndrome.
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Low Levels of Iron - This might be associated with depression and anxiety.
What Are the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome can disrupt your day-to-day activities. It might restrict you from sleeping and sitting for a long time. Long travels in a car might be annoying too.
How Is Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnosed?
There is no specific lab test for diagnosing restless leg syndrome. The patient has to provide the doctor with a complete and detailed history. The urge to move the legs and tingling sensations in the leg during rest and sleep should be explained to the doctor. However, doctors might recommend a few tests to identify the related health conditions.
What Are the Treatment Options for Restless Leg Syndrome?
In some patients with restless leg syndrome moving the affected legs may provide temporary relief. Sometimes restless leg syndrome symptoms can be cured by identifying any related medical conditions. This might include peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation is highly beneficial. Multiple medications should be taken under the doctor’s guidance. The different ways to recover from restless leg syndrome are:
Lifestyle Changes:
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Specific lifestyle changes and activities might provide a certain degree of relief in persons with mild to moderate symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
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Alcohol and tobacco should be completely avoided.
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A regular sleeping pattern should be followed.
Iron: Iron supplements are advised for patients having a low content of iron. The iron tablets are available over-the-counter. The common side effects of iron tablets are stomach issues. This is because iron does not get absorbed well in the gut.
Anti-Seizure Drugs: Anti-seizure drugs are the first line of treatment for patients with restless leg syndrome. The side effects of these drugs are dizziness, tiredness, and sleepiness.
Dopaminergic agents: These drugs tend to increase dopamine in the body. Drugs like Ropinirole and Pramipexole are used to treat moderate to severe restless leg syndrome. Levodopa can be given occasionally if your doctor prescribes it. Long-term usage of these drugs can lead to worsening of the symptoms in some patients. Another unique adverse reaction to these drugs is the development of obsessive behaviors such as gambling practices and excessive shopping.
Opioids: Drugs such as Methadone and Codeine drugs are given to patients with severe symptoms.
Benzodiazepines: These drugs are given to soothe sleeping irregularities. This can cause daytime sleepiness too. The other side effects are loss of energy and concentration.
What Measures Help in Preventing Restless Sleep Syndrome?
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Exercise: Exercise is the first and foremost lifestyle change you should make. Regular exercises are known to suppress symptoms.
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Avoid certain food and beverages. Caffeine should be strictly avoided. Alcohol, smoking, and caffeine items are known to increase the risk of restless leg syndrome.
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Hot Water Bath: Either a hot water bath or cold bath should be taken before going to bed. Hot water baths can be extremely soothing. Applying ice packs to the legs can be helpful. It can cause drastic relief. Applying ice packs is known to change the blood flow pattern and increase circulation.
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Avoid some medications: Avoid antidepressants and antihistamines. These drugs are known to cause addiction and have many ill effects too. These drugs should be taken only if your doctor advises you to do so. Do not depend too much on these drugs. When you experience worsening symptoms after taking these medications, you should consult the doctor immediately.
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Massage: Do a gentle massage on the legs using warm water and olive oil. Use vibrating devices to massage your legs. You can seek help from professional massage therapists.
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Eat Bananas: Consuming bananas every day can keep you away from restless leg syndrome. Bananas are rich in iron content. This healthy, rich supplement can help you recover from symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
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Diet: Dietary control should be an important factor to be considered for diabetic patients. Eat a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly dark leafy greens. Eat nuts, seeds, and legumes. High sugar content sweets and foods should be avoided. Fried foods might increase your weight, thus making the symptoms worse. So, avoid fried foods. Eating a balanced diet will help you stay healthy.
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Meditation: If you are suffering from a sleeping disorder, meditation can help you get peace of mind. This can help you gain more focus and stay healthy. Ask your doctor for appropriate meditative practices. It is more beneficial to perform in the morning. You might listen to calm music before going to bed.
Conclusion:
With the help of medications and lifestyle changes, it is possible to cure restless sleep syndrome to an extent. If you are facing issues with sleeping or any symptoms of restless leg syndrome consult a doctor online and get their guidance through voice or video calls.
