Introduction
The symptoms of restless legs syndrome include twitching and discomfort in the legs, which typically occur after the patient has laid down for the night. Because this can result in a lack of sleep, medical professionals classify it as a sleep disorder.
The article that follows will provide you with additional information as well as suggestions for mitigating the effects of this circumstance.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes a strong urge to move your legs. This urge is often worse when you’re resting or sitting down.
RLS is also known as Willis-Ekbom disease. It can cause mild to severe discomfort in your legs. The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but it’s thought to be linked to an imbalance of the brain’s chemical dopamine.
There’s no cure for RLS, but treatments can help relieve your symptoms. You may have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep if you have RLS. You may also feel exhausted during the day.
The main symptom of RLS is a strong urge to move your legs. This urge is often worse when you’re resting or sitting down. You may also feel an uncomfortable sensation in your legs, such as:
- Aching
- Crawling
- Pulling
- Itching
- Burning
The urge to move your legs may be so strong that it’s hard to resist. You may find yourself pushing your legs while you’re sitting at a desk or watching TV.
RLS symptoms can vary from person to person. They may be mild, moderate, or severe. Symptoms can also come and go. They may happen every day or only once in a while.
The exact cause of RLS is unknown. It’s thought to be linked to an imbalance of the brain’s chemical dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps send messages between the brain and the nervous system.
RLS may also be linked to other health conditions, such as iron deficiency, pregnancy, and kidney failure.
Who Is Affected By RLS?
There is not one particular group of people who are prone to having RLS symptoms. On the other hand, it should be mentioned that RLS is more commonly diagnosed in females than in males.
People who are middle-aged or older tend to be the ones whose symptoms appear the most strongly. Although there is no defined age at which the disease manifests itself, the intensity of the symptoms is typically proportional to the patient’s age.
In addition, RLS is highly prevalent among the elderly population; in fact, the condition affects around 35% of people who are 65 years of age or older. (Source: PubMed)
Is There A Remedy For RLS Available?
RLS is a condition that currently has no known treatment, however, it is frequently a symptom of various underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or renal failure. If this is the case, then attending to the primary disease might be enough to put an end to the RLS symptoms.
If you have primary RLS or if the condition persists following therapy for your other health concerns, it is imperative that you address and manage the disease in order to be able to give your body the restful, in-depth sleep that it needs.
The symptoms of RLS have the potential to have a long-term impact on both your general health and the quality of your life. It is of the utmost importance that they are managed in an appropriate and consistent manner.
How To Cure Restless Leg Syndrome During Sleep
Get A Massage
There are many benefits to getting a massage, including helping to cure restless leg syndrome. Massages can help improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and promote relaxation. If you have restless leg syndrome, consider getting a massage to help relieve your symptoms.
Support And Methods Of Coping
In most cases, RLS persists throughout a person’s entire life. It could be beneficial for you to establish coping skills that are effective for you, such as the following:
Share information with others you know about your situation. If you explain RLS to your loved ones, friends, and coworkers.
They will have a better understanding of why they see you doing things like strolling to the water cooler multiple times during the course of the day, standing at the back of the theater, or pacing the hallways.
You shouldn’t fight the urge you have to move around. It is possible that your symptoms will become much more severe if you make an effort to fight off the impulse to move.
Keep a sleep diary. Keep a record of the medications and methods that help or impede your battle with restless legs syndrome (RLS), and discuss this information with your provider.
Stretching and deep tissue massage. Stretching exercises or a light massage should be part of both the beginning and end of your day.
Try Yoga
If you’re looking for a natural way to ease your restless leg syndrome (RLS), you may want to try yoga. Yoga can help improve your circulation and stretch your muscles, which may help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of RLS.
Medications
The restlessness in the legs can be alleviated with the help of a number of different prescription medications, the vast majority of which were initially designed for the treatment of other ailments.
Medications that cause an increase in the amount of dopamine produced in the brain. The levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain are altered as a result of these drugs.
Both rotigotine (marketed under the brand name Neupro) and pramipexole (marketed under the brand name Mirapex) have been given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration as effective treatments for moderate to severe RLS.
These drugs may cause short-term adverse effects such as nausea, lightheadedness, and exhaustion; however, these symptoms are typically only moderate.
Nevertheless, they are also capable of causing problems with impulse control, such as compulsive gambling and excessive daytime sleepiness.
Medications that alter calcium channel function. Some persons with restless legs syndrome (RLS) get relief from their symptoms with the use of specific drugs. These include gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), and pregabalin (Lyrica)..
Stretch
There are a few things you can do to help ease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS). One of those things is to stretch before bed.
Stretching can help improve circulation and flexibility, both of which can help reduce the symptoms of RLS. It’s best to do some gentle stretching exercises for about 5-10 minutes before bed.
If you’re not sure what kind of stretches to do, there are plenty of resources available online or you can ask your doctor or a physical therapist for guidance.
So if you’re looking for a natural way to help ease the symptoms of RLS, try stretching before bed. It just might help you get a better night’s sleep.
Take A Warm Bath
There are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS), and one of the most effective is to take a warm bath.
The warmth of the water can help to relax your muscles and ease the discomfort that is often associated with RLS. Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your bath can also help to further relax your muscles and provide some relief from the symptoms of RLS.
Use A Heating Pad
There are many treatments for restless leg syndrome, but one of the most effective is using a heating pad. Applying heat to the affected area can help relieve the discomfort and improve the symptoms.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
There are a few things you can do to ease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS), and one of them is to make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing to bed.
That means loose-fitting, soft fabrics that won’t constrict your movements or disturb your sleep. If you’re not sure what to wear, ask your doctor or a sleep specialist for recommendations.
Comfortable Mattress
There are a number of things you can do to ease the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS), and one of the most important is to invest in a comfortable mattress.
A good mattress will provide the support and comfort you need to get a good night’s sleep, and this can make a big difference in how you feel during the day.
There are a number of different types of mattresses on the market, so it’s important to do some research to find the one that’s right for you. If you have RLS, a comfortable mattress is an important part of managing your condition.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
There are a few things you can do to help ease restless leg syndrome and get a better night’s sleep.
- First, practice good sleep hygiene. This means creating a regular sleep schedule and sticking to it as much as possible. It’s also important to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as well as eat a light evening dinner.
- Second, try to keep your legs moving during the day. Taking a brisk walk or doing some light stretching exercises can help.
- Lastly, if your symptoms are severe, talk to your doctor about medications that can help. There are a few different options available, and your doctor can help you find the one that’s right for you.
What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Restless Leg Syndrome?
The long-term effects of restless leg syndrome (RLS) are not well understood. Some studies suggest that RLS may be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, although the evidence is not conclusive.
There is also some evidence to suggest that RLS may be linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these links.
Conclusion
You can better manage your restless legs syndrome (RLS) with the help of a variety of at-home treatments and adjustments to your daily routine.
Before you start taking any new supplements or make any other adjustments, you should make sure to consult your primary care physician. We have high hopes that the content that was just provided will be of assistance to you.
