Restless Leg Syndrome-The Management Of A Serious Sleep Disorder

Introduction

People who have Restless Leg Syndrome have an uncontrollable urge to move or shake or tap their legs. This is invariably a reflex response to a queer sensation of creeping insects or electric currents flowing in the leg or lower torso. The patients move the legs because it gives them momentary relief. Restless Leg Syndrome occurs most at night time and hence it is referred to as a sleep disorder.

Clinical History

Restless Leg Syndrome has not been clearly understood so far. While some say that it is neurological problem others classify it as a sleep disorder. Sometimes it is mistaken for a medical condition known as Wittmaack-Ekbom’s Syndrome which has similar clinical symptoms. But what is known is that the symptoms of this disorder occur most often in the late evenings and at night especially while sleeping. They are aggravated by a number of emotional and physiological factors but prolonged stress almost always aggravates the problems.

The irresistible urge to move, tap or shake the leg is explained by the patients in different words. Some describe the symptoms as a creepy feeling of insects crawling up the leg while others talk of electric currents. Medical specialists describe this as Jimmy Legs and explain that these symptoms are triggered by motor nerve restlessness. There are two types of Restless Leg Syndrome. There is the primary or idiopathic syndrome which occurs early in life and then there is the secondary syndrome which is noticed in people older than forty years of age. The secondary syndrome has been found to a relation with deficiencies of vitamin B.

Management of the Disorder

Restless Leg Syndrome can be controlled with regular light exercises like walking and simple stretching workouts. Yoga drills are also useful in the management of the disorder. Initially it was seen that Restless Leg Syndrome worsened with post exercise relaxation. It had something to do the enzyme dopamine which is secreted by our bodies. Doctors have now found ways to circumvent the problems and exercise keeps the Restless Leg Syndrome under control. A little control over the intake of carbohydrates and starches in food has to be ensured. Iron supplements both as medications and iron rich nutrients are also advisable. Intake of caffeine in all its forms including beverages have to reduced or avoided altogether as for unknown reasons they have been found to aggravate the Restless Leg Syndrome.

Random Sleeping Tip

You would be amazed to hear that there are about 1,500 people that die each year because of the fatigue related crashes that occur due to sleep disorders. If these problems are left untreated, then those people who are suffering from them are at an increased risk to go through these crashes. The most common conditions that people go through are the neurological disorders as well as stroke from the chronic and long term sleep disorders and that constitutes about 40 million Americans. Therefore the people, who are going through chronic sleep issues, must consult their physicians to seek professional help.

Sometimes Restless Leg Syndrome is not detected in its early stages until it becomes evident and more serious. This is because it is mistaken for sleep apnea, arthritis or vascular disorders like varicose veins. Left untreated it progressively develops into more serious sleep disorders.

Conclusion

The exact reasons for the occurrence of Restless Leg Syndrome are not understood clearly. The clinical symptoms too are varied and bear a vague relation to emotional and psychological factors. However, with a deliberate effort of changing the life style and eating habits, the condition can be managed.

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