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Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects nearly 7-10% of the US population. Any age can be affected. RLS maybe intermittent or a daily issue. Can lead to insomnia due to difficulty getting comfortable in bed. The sympathetic activity leads to stimulation of the brain as well. RLS can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue.
It is usually characterized by:
1. Urge to move legs due to an unpleasant sensation. These can be aches and pain, nerve currents, crawling sensations or cramp like sensations.
2. Gets worse with inactivity, such as sitting for long periods or laying in bed.
3. Usually seen in the evenings. May progress to daytime as severity worsens.
4. Unpleasant sensations improve on moving around, walking or stretching the legs.
RLS may occur due to
- iron deficiency
- increased caffeine use
- increased use of antihistamines
- late night exercising
- underlying sleep apnea
- use of anti depressants
- thyroid abnormality
- kidney dysfunction
- Parkinson’s disease
- along with neuropathies
Treatments include
- eliminating offending factors
- stretching exercises
- hot baths
- massages
- mind diverting exercises
- medications
- FDA approved compression devices
If you think you have RLS and it is affecting your sleep. Talk to your doctor to get diagnosed and treated!
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