Quality rest is key for your health and longevity. However, restless legs syndrome (RLS), a chronic neurological disorder, can really put a damper on a good night’s sleep. We’re sharing what to know about this condition and treatments that can help you start getting the rest you deserve.
Restless Legs Syndrome 101
Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, restless legs syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes sleepless nights for up to 10% of the U.S. population, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Restless legs syndrome causes a persistent, strong urge to move your legs. The sensations can include an itchy feeling or the typical “pins and needles” feeling you get when your legs feel numb, and the discomfort is usually at its highest at the end of your day when you’re trying to sleep.
RLS can begin at any age and affects both men and women, though women are more likely to experience the condition. Restless legs syndrome can take a toll on your sleep schedule, impacting your health and longevity.
Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
While the primary symptom of RLS is the urge to move your legs, you may also notice some or all of the following:
- Daytime drowsiness: Because RLS interferes with your sleep, it can affect your quality of life and cause you to feel sleepy or groggy during the day.
- Relief with movement: RLS sensations often subside with movement, which is why they’re most noticeable when trying to sleep. Stretching, moving your legs or getting up and walking may help you find relief.
- Twitching legs: Another common condition sometimes associated with RLS is periodic nighttime leg twitching, which causes you to twitch or kick your legs while sleeping.
- Worsening symptoms in the evening:RLS symptoms tend to worsen as your day goes on, with most people noticing symptoms in the evening and around bedtime.
RLS can be unpleasant and sometimes difficult to explain. Many people describe their feelings as a deep aching, crawling, throbbing, itching, pulling or electric sensation within their legs, rather than a feeling on their skin. People with RLS may experience symptoms as they’re trying to go to sleep, or they may awake in the middle of the night due to nagging RLS symptoms.
Sleep deficiency can increase your risk of chronic health conditions, so it’s important to seek help if you’re experiencing these symptoms. Talk to your primary care provider to get started on your journey toward fewer sleepless nights.
Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome
If your primary care provider suspects you may be experiencing restless legs syndrome, they’ll likely refer you to a sleep disorder specialist who will work with you to find a personalized treatment plan to minimize your symptoms and help you achieve quality sleep.
Certain lifestyle factors and treatments have been shown to improve sleep patterns, including:
- Eliminating alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes
- Engaging in regular moderate exercise
- Hot and cold therapies, using heating pads and ice packs
- Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule
- Taking nutritional supplements that support quality sleep, including iron, magnesium or folate
- Taking hot baths
- Therapeutic massages
Depending on your circumstances, certain medications may also help you find relief. Medications used to treat RLS can include:
- Anticonvulsants (such as pregabalin) to control convulsions by suppressing the excessive rapid firing of neurons
- Benzodiazepines, which affect the neurotransmitters in the brain to provide anxiety relief
- Opioids, for powerful pain relief
- Pramipexole or ropinirole, which replace dopamine, a natural substance in the brain to help control movement
- Rotigotine, a once-daily patch that provides a slow and constant supply of dopamine over a 24-hour period
Treatment will look different for every individual, but finding relief is possible. The first step to restful sleep is talking with your doctor.
Helping You Get a Restful Night’s Sleep
We know how important a good night’s sleep is for your health, and we want to help you get the rest you need. Learn more about restless leg syndrome and discover your treatment options today.
