What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome is an overwhelming urge to move the legs. The legs usually shake back and forth, possible accompanied by an intermittent tingling sensation. Only moving the legs back and forth relieves the sensation. It is worse at night, usually when an individual is trying to go to sleep. It often occurs with period of inactivity and it definitely plays a role in insomnia because it impedes the individual from falling asleep. A recent study at Johns Hopkins cites iron deficiency as a possible cause for restless leg syndrome. The researcher states that it is not necessarily an iron deficiency, but rather the mechanism by which iron is absorbed into the brain cells is functioning incorrectly. Obviously further research in this area is being conducted. To see this study, please go to www.rls.org, and you can review the study at that time.
What are the symptoms of Restless leg Syndrome?
- Frequently involuntary movement of the legs occurs just before sleep.
- It is more common in middle age.
- Persistent movement during sleep, with some bouts of non-movement.
- Most common in a supine position.
What is the treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome?
Treatment is focused at reducing stress, as well as checking a complete blood count to rule out iron deficiency anemia. Ropinirole (Requip) has recently been proven to be beneficial. Klonipin also has helped with sleep, and has shown some decrease in (RLS).
Other methods to better sleep include:
- Avoiding liquids 3-4 hours before going to sleep, specifically caffeine containing sodas, coffee, tea, and even chocolate, which has caffeine.
- Smoking is a stimulant. Please avoid any tobacco product usage before getting to sleep.
Alcohol in small amounts may be effective initially in helping an individual fall asleep. However large amounts, as discussed earlier, will definitely impact REM sleep. One glass of wine before bedtime might be helpful; however if you would prefer avoiding alcohol, a glass of milk would be a good substitute. The reason for this is that milk does contain a specific chemical, L-Tryptophan, which in some individuals induces sleepiness.
