A Sleep Condition That Has a bearing on the Legs – Restless Sleep Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome, called RLS, is a sleep complaint that afflicts more than 15 percent of adults.
It impacts more women than men and the incidence of restless leg syndrome increases with maturity. Certain conditions, like diabetes, arthritis and varicose veins, also increase the chance of developing restless leg syndrome.
This sleep disorder is characterized by an undisciplined impulse to move the lower legs, knees and from time-to-time the arms. Now and again painful sensations accompany the urge to move. People that have this sleep complaint describe the feelings and sensations in various ways. Many describe a tingling, itching or pulling sensation. Others say it feels prickly or burns. Some feel as if they have worms crawling under their skin.
The sensations which are typical of this sleep disorder can happen anytime during the day.
Restless leg syndrome occurring in the evening has a devastating effect on sleep. The signs can lead to the sufferer to get in and out of bed repeatedly that can delay or disrupt sleep. Since sleep in repeatedly interrupted, extreme daytime sleepiness is usual.
The combination of always feeling tired and the symptoms themselves can cause an individual with restless leg syndrome to alter their way of life. Long trips, movies, concerts and eating in restaurants are a few of the pursuits they usually avoid. Attending a long meeting at work can become very painful and uncomfortable. People that have this sleep condition often endure depression.
Researchers believe that restless leg syndrome could be caused by malfunctions of the pathways in the brain that determines movement reflexes and sensations. Frequently this sleep complaint has a genetic base.
Restless leg syndrome cannot be diagnosed by only test. Often standard neurological examinations show no signs of an abnormality. In a few cases, a physician makes the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome founded on the description of the signs. They also consider history in the family, and the results of a routine medical examination and blood tests.
Many times the treatment for restless leg syndrome is focused towards governing the debilitating sensations that accompany this sleep condition. Often iron supplements are prescribed because severe anemia has been linked to this condition. Relaxation techniques, diet changes and the elimination of caffeine and alcohol help some sufferers of restless leg syndrome.
In the majority of cases, this sleep complaint is treated with drugs. These drugs could include dopamine agents, benzodiazepines, opioids or anticonvulsants. Drugs do not cure restless leg syndrome, but they deal with the symptoms. People that suffer from this sleep condition ordinarily have to stay on their medications for the rest of their lives.
Another sleep complaint close to restless leg syndrome is periodic limb movement condition called PLMD. There are two main differences between restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement condition. Restless leg syndrome takes place when the sufferer is awake or asleep; periodic limb movement complaint only happens when the sufferer is asleep. Restless leg syndrome movements are voluntary responses to very unpleasant sensations; the movements of periodic limb movement complaint are unconscious and are not consciously controlled. Probably both of these sleep disorders can be effectively controlled with medical therapy.
This information was brought to you by e cigarette, smokeless cigarettes, and e cigarette refill cartridges.
Posted under Miscellaneous Content
This post was written by admin on September 24, 2010


