Restless Legs Syndrome

The symptoms of RLS are often described as a tingling and creeping sensation in the legs which creates a powerful urge to move them. The individual continually moves in bed in an attempt to relieve these unpleasant sensations, resulting in restlessness and consequently lack of sleep. Fortunately for sufferers of the condition, current treatments for this disorder are effective in over 90% of those treated.

RLS is a discomfort in the legs which is relieved by moving or stimulating the legs. This feeling is difficult to describe. It is a type of neurological sickness which is characterized by painful leg muscles which continues unless they are drawn into physical action.

Main causes of Restless Legs Syndrome

Although the exact causes and origin are not yet known yet currently, scientists are working on locating the part of the brain, which triggers the condition, and genetically identifying the gene which transmits such trait to other cells and other physiological and nutritional factors which activates the episodes of pain in the leg and foot region.

The Most likely situations for symptoms to occur are while

• Riding in car
• Watching TV
• Reading
• Inactivity , sitting(in a movie theatre etc)
• Lying in a bed trying to fall in asleep.

Test for Restless Legs

You can test yourself by following signs

• Do you feel in some way your sleep is not refreshing or restful
• Do your legs ache prior to bed or when getting up?
• Does your bed partner report that you kick them during night
• The desire to move the legs due to uncomfortable pain

• Pain becoming more pronounced and advancing at night
• Involuntary movement of the legs during sleep

Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

The good news about insomnia is that you can cure yourself - in your own way, in your own time and at your own pace. You may wish to enlist the support or help of your doctor, a college nurse or a counselor, but you won't necessarily need to. However you must be prepared to make some changes in your lifestyle in order to sleep better.
The lack of information and ignorance of symptoms can lead the patient to an unsuccessful treatment of the disease. Typical indications of the disease are ignored due to the symptoms unpredictable pattern of attack sometimes occurring during wakefulness or at night or in the middle of the sleep.

The unpredictability of the symptoms makes treatment difficult to reconcile. Because the incalculable occurrences of symptoms can bring the pain back with less intensity after a day or weeks and even for months. Symptoms usually last for days or weeks or usually progress to weeks and disappear for weeks or months.

Temporary relief

Because of unidentified causes, and little discoveries in the medical treatments, Following a couple of treatments can relieve the symptoms and not specifically cure them.

• Getting up and walking around
• Taking a hot shower
• Rubbing the legs

Additional Findings

One variation of RLS is Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS). PLMS are characterized by leg movements or jerks which typically occur every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep. PLMS causes sleep to be disrupted. These movements are typically reported by the bed partner. These movements fragment sleep leaving the person with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Family history

The chances of developing the disease are enhanced when either your parents have a family history of the disorder or both of them somehow exhibited the condition or are carriers of the condition. The researchers strongly believe that RLS may be inherited. In a study conducted on 2001, 14 RLS patients among those 25 French-Canadian individuals apparently suggest the autosomal recessive mode of transmission of RLS. In autosomal recessive type of inheritance, 2 copies of gene that codes for the disease should be present in order for the effects to materialize in a living species.
If you are sure about the above symptoms and signs then you should probably consult with your physician.

INSOMNIA HELP GUIDE

• Insomnia Symptoms & Causes
• Types of Insomnia
• Depression and Insomnia
• Sleeping Disorders
• Night Eating Syndrome
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Circadian Rhythms
• Conditioned Insomnia
• Chronic Insomnia
• Sleep Apnea
• Sleep Apnea Symptoms
• Sleep Apnea Treatment
• Snoring
• Sleeping Disorders & Insomnia in Children and Infants
• Insomnia Treatment and Medication
• Sleep Tips

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