Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome Sleep Disorder

                                                                                         

Recent news stories and TV commercials have clearly demonstrated the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome sleep disorder (commonly referred to as simply RLS) to everybody. Although of course those who have suffered from this disorder for many years know only too well the way RLS can disrupt everyday life. As it becomes more readily available people may discover the cause of their mysterious symptoms and start to ask questions when they see their doctor. Perhaps more importantly they will also come to see that their symptoms are real and not merely imagined and they are far from alone.

Probably the simplest description of how RLS affects an individual is to say that it is a condition in which you are quite simply unable to relax. When an individual either sits or lays down at night their legs start to feel as if pins and needles are being stuck into them or suffer a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to continually move, making it almost impossible to sleep. This in itself can explain why one of the main results of RLS is insomnia.

As research has progressed it has been seen that many people with RLS also have other family members with the disorder and that there is thus undoubtedly a genetic component to RLS. This genetic element is important when it comes to diagnosing children as they usually do not vocalize their discomfort or pain in the same way as an adult and it is often misdiagnosed, as stress, muscle cramps, arthritis and insomnia and attention is often focused on the child’s restlessness, inattentiveness and irritability as what is said to be growing pains.

In addition, pregnant women will at times find themselves with the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the most intense symptoms coming in the final trimester. Because of the pregnancy, medication is not recommended except during the last two or three months when the effects on the unborn baby are going to be minimal.

The first concern of anyone suffering from RLS must be diagnosis because it is after diagnosis that treatment can start and relief begin.

Treatment for RLS varies widely from one individual to the next and depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Medication is commonly used for more severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being two of the most well known used medicines. For people who do not like to take medication there are alternative methods like acupuncture and a range of homeopathic remedies. In addition, changes in lifestyle like using hot and cold packs, exercise and relaxation are also used to provide symptomatic relief.

Although it might seem appropriate to find the best relief for your symptoms by yourself you ought to consult your doctor first as RLS can occasionally be a secondary condition and result from another disorder or condition as, for instance, when it arises during pregnancy. Using your own treatment plan could result in additional problems and therefore not result in the relief you want.

As each person is unique individual so too are our symptoms and an understanding of this fact is central when it comes to treatment. It is only with a sound understanding of this condition that proper treatment can be given and that the leg pain which accompanies RLS will become a memory.

About the author:
If you are experiencing painful legs when trying to sleep then you might be suffering from restless leg sydrome and so now would be an excellent time to learn a bit more about the symptoms of this condition and restless leg treatment.


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