Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that urges one to move their legs and is experienced most when a person is resting or lying down with intention of going to sleep.
RLS is a neurological condition that brings an unbearably uncomfortable and painful feeling deep within your legs, especially in the calves of your legs.
Though RLS is very real, much about it is still a mystery.
RLS is not technically a sleep disorder, but because it often keeps people awake and contributes to chronic insomnia, it is often lumped into this category and is well studied by sleep doctors.
Symptoms that diagnose RLS
A strong urge to move your legs when trying to rest
People who feel this urge say their need to move their legs is often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. People experience a pulling and distressing sensation as they start to rest their bodies.
Unable to fall asleep or stay asleep
A substantial number of people who have RLS also have periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS). PLMS are repetitive movements that occur every 20 to 30 seconds on and off throughout the night and can cause partial awakenings that disrupt sleep.
Symptoms get better when you move your legs
If the uncomfortable sensations go away when you move your legs, it’s another sign of RLS.
The relief can be complete or only partial but generally starts very soon after starting an activity. Relief remains only as long as the movement continues.
Your symptoms start or get worse at rest
The longer you are at rest, the greater the chance the symptoms will occur and the more severe they are likely to be.
Symptoms are worse in the evening, especially when lying down
Symptoms worsening in the evening is another one of the criteria necessary for an RLS diagnosis. If your symptoms aren’t worse at night, it may not be RLS. Some people with RLS, however, can have severe daytime symptoms too.
Best Treatments for RLS
Change your habits
Limit caffeine, tobacco etc type of addictive habits might enhance RLS.
kidney Disease and Iron deficiency anemia can also trigger RLS, consult a Doctor for further guidelines.
Heavy sugar intake or wearing tight clothes throughout the day could trigger RLS in the evenings.
Iron and vitamin supplements
Sometimes the problem lies in lack of Iron or vitamins in your body, a daily vitamin supplement could overcome this problem. For Iron deficiency and supplement consult a Doctor first.
Aerobics, lower body resistance training, yoga, and stretching. these exercises help your body De-stress and further help one sleeping soundly.
Massaging your leg muscles could help ease your RLS symptoms.
Hot and cold treatments
Many suggest taking a hot or cold bath before going to bed or applying hot or cold packs to your legs.
Acupuncture can be helpful in the treatment of many health conditions, and RLS might be one of them.
If the problem still prevails, consult a Doctor and get a prescription to reduce these uncomfortable sensations.