Restless legs syndrome: what to do when it is difficult to sleep
Educational Program Health / / December 19, 2019
There is evidence that this disorder affects one in ten peopleRestless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet. Suffering, but is silent.
The reason is simple: people simply do not realize that the unpleasant sensations in the legs that cause tugging them - a common neurological malfunction, it is treatable.
What is restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS, it - Willis disease - Ekboma) - a conditionRestless Legs SyndromeIn which there are itching, tingling, pulsation, burning sensation or other intrusive lower limb muscles. Discomfort is reduced if the push kicks. Therefore, people who suffer from RLS, unknowingly begins to touch the lower limbs, pull them.
Most often unpleasant sensations occur at the instants relaxation. This usually occurs in the evening or night hours. You go to sleep - and legs begin to move.
Women suffer from restless leg syndrome are twice as likely than men.
Where does RLS, scientists have not yet figured out properly. Only it assumed that the discomfort in the legs is associated with an imbalance of dopamine - one of the most important neurotransmitters in the brain involved in the control of muscle movements.
By the way, violations in the production of dopamine and related Parkinson's diseaseThe most popular symptom is twitching limbs. So in a sense, this type of dementia and sc - "relatives".
How dangerous RLS
Restless legs syndrome is rarely associated with any serious medical problem. Most often, it just does not give you get enough sleep. You iterate through your feet, turning, can not fully relax. As a result, you feel sleepy and tired during the day.
The constant lack of sleep caused by restless legs syndrome, can lead to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome or depression.
By itself, the more chronic sleepiness gift. Because of this, you lose productivity, you do not have enough forces on the career or relationship. But the restless legs syndrome may be a sign, and where a lot of trouble. Sometimes he accompanies such conditionsEverything you need to know about restless legs syndrome, as:
- Peripheral neuropathy. So called nerve damage in hands and feet. The root cause of this could be diabetes or alcoholism.
- Deficiency of iron in the body.
- Renal insufficiency.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Some lesions of the spinal cord.
Therefore, restless leg syndrome can not be ignored.
How to recognize the restless leg syndrome
There are four main symptoms. If all you have, then with high probability we are talking about RLS.
- Discomfort in the muscles of the legs occur when you save a long immobility. For example, lying in bed or sitting in a car, airplane or movie theater.
- You can get rid of the discomfort in a unique way - moving his feet or stretching your muscles.
- Sensations become more acute in the evening and at night. In the morning and during the day you can ignore them.
- During sleep and sleep your legs twitch.
Usually, the symptoms affect both lower limbs. But sometimes it is activated only one of them or add more discomfort in their hands.
What to do if you suspect at sc
Be sure to talk about it with a therapist. I repeat: sc can not be ignored, because it can be a sign of serious diseases.
How to treat restless leg syndrome
Just say: correct the disorder is necessary. If you do not, restless legs syndrome can accompany you for life. And it is precisely her spoil.
The therapist will ask you about your symptoms, conduct inspection and offer a blood test to identify possible iron deficiency. Further treatment will be assigned depending on the survey results.
If you find lack of this mineral in the blood, the doctor will prescribe iron preparations - in the form of pills or injections. If the therapist will suggest the presence of underlying disease, then first we will cure it - after that restless legs syndrome will disappear by itself.
In the case where there are RLS, and the reasons for its physician does not understand (by the way, it happens often), you can recommend to make some changesEverything you need to know about restless legs syndrome in lifestyle
- Every evening, do a warm foot bath and gentle massage. This will improve the condition of the muscles and help them learn to relax without Restless "special effects."
- Carefully observe the rules of sleep hygiene. The more you get tired, the more manifest the symptoms of RLS. So do all that, despite the syndrome, sleep. Walk before going to sleep outdoors. Organize the bedroom - it should be a quiet, darkened and cool. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time.
- Maintain an active lifestyle. More walk, ride a bike, swim - just connect the legs. But make sure that the load in this case was reasonable. Overvoltage can aggravate RLS symptoms.
- Engage in yoga or breathing exercises.
- Reduce the amount of caffeine. Sometimes giving up coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, chocolate can reduce the syndrome is not. Do not use these products a few weeks and make sure their condition - all of a sudden this is your option of salvation.
- Include in the diet of food with high iron content (pork, red meat, dried fruit, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables). Also need vitamin C (citrus fruits, currants, strawberries, leafy greens) - it helps iron absorbed.
- If you experience symptoms apply at the feet of a heating pad or wrapped in a thin cloth bag of ice.
If lifestyle changes do not help, your doctor may prescribe medication. Most often, when restless legs syndrome used prescription drugs:
- drugs that enhance the production of dopamine in the brain;
- opiates;
- anticonvulsants;
- muscle relaxants and hypnotic.
Which means is right for you, it is impossible to say in advance. There is an option that the doctor will make several attempts before you pick up a truly effective medicine. But you finally start to get enough sleep.
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