A Sleep Disorder That Affects The Legs - Restless Sleep Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome, called RLS, is a sleep disorder that afflicts above 15 percent of adults.

It affects more women than men and the occurrence of restless leg malady increases with age. Certain medical ailments, such as diabetes, arthritis and spider veins, also increase potential risk of creating restless leg issue. This sleep disorder is indicated by an uncontrollable urge to move reduced legs, knees and sometimes the arms. Occasionally painful sensations accompany the need to move. People that are afflicted by this sleep disorder describe the thoughts and sensations in various ways. Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling feeling. Still others say it thinks prickly or burns. Some feel as if they have worms crawling under their skin.

The sensations whichare typical of this sleep disorder can happen anytime throughout the day or night. Restless leg syndrome happening at nighttime has a devastating effect on sleep. The signs may cause the sufferer for getting in and out of bed repeatedly that can delay or disrupt sleep. Since sleep in continuously interrupted, extreme daytime sleepiness is typical.

The combination of always positive feeling tired and the symptoms on their own may cause an individual with restless leg issue to alter their lifestyle. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are a couple of these activities they generally avoid. Attending a lengthy meeting at work becomes very painful and uncomfortable. People that have this sleep disorder often have problems with depressive disorder.

Researchers believe restless leg syndrome could be the result of malfunctions of the pathways on the brain that regulates movement reflexes and sensations. Usually this sleep disorder has a genetic base.

Restless leg malady cannot be diagnosed by a single test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an problem. In so many cases, a health care professional helps to make the diagnosing restless leg syndrome depending on the description of the symptoms. They also take into account family history, and the results of a routine medical examination and blood tests.

Often times treatments for restless leg issue is focused at managing the debilitating sensations that accompany this sleep disorder. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been linked with this problem. Relaxation methods, diet changes and then the removal of caffeine and alcohol can help some sufferers of restless leg problem.er

In most cases, this sleep disorder is treated with drugs. These drugs could include dopamine agents, benzodiazepines, opioids or anticonvulsants. Medications do not cure restless leg problem, but they also manage the signs or symptoms. Those who have problems this sleep disorder normally have to stay on their medications through-out their lives.

Some other sleep disorder the same as restless leg issue is periodic limb movement disorder called PLMD. There's two main dissimilarities between restless leg issue and periodic limb movements disorder. Restless leg issue occurs when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement disorder only occurs when the sufferer is asleep. Disturbed leg issue movements are voluntary responses to very unpleasant sensations; the movements of periodic limb movement disorder are involuntary and are not consciously controlled. Both of these sleep disorders could be fully taken care of with treatment.