What is Restless Leg Syndrome and Why It’s a Problem

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a nervous system and disorder that causes uncomfortable feelings in your legs, and other extremities, during the night. RLS usually causes enough discomfort to interfere with sleep, causing sleep deprivation. The primary problem with restless leg syndrome is RLS causes you to wake up and move your legs to ease the discomfort. The more sleep deprived you are, the worsen your symptoms are, causing a vicious cycle.

If symptoms are intermittent or mild, then that could lead to undiagnosed RLS, causing untreated sleep deprivation. Continue reading to learn more about RLS and what causes it. 

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

The symptoms of RLS all have one thing in common: discomfort in the legs (usually, though it can occur in other extremities). This discomfort can be mild, uncomfortable, and even intolerable. RLS symptoms may come and go, can be chronic, and intermittent.

When the discomfort is enough to keep you up or wake you up, it is considered a sleeping disorder. Some of the symptoms include feeling the following in your legs at night:

• Aching, throbbing, or burning
• Cramping (especially in calves)
• Jerking
• Buzzing or vibrating feelings
• Itchy feeling
• Feeling of pins and needles
• Creepy crawly feeling
• Irresistible urge to move your leg to relieve the discomfort

As long as RLS symptoms are not mild, it should be relatively easy to identify. 

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

RLS may affect up to 10% of the U.S. population [WebMD]. The causes of restless leg syndrome are unknown - for many people it’s “just one of those things” - though science has illuminated some pertinent information and risk factors for developing RLS.

Some factors that influence the severity or onset of RLS are:

• Genes are thought to play a role (nearly half of people with RLS have a family member who also has it).
• Certain diseases include symptoms of RLS, such as anemia, Parkinson’s, and diabetes
• Some medications, such as anti nausea drugs or antipsychotic drugs, may make RLS symptoms worse
• Pregnancy (especially in last trimester) may trigger symptoms
• Sleep deprivation may trigger symptoms
• Affects both sexes but is more common in women
• May begin at any age (even in young children), but people who are severely affected are generally middle aged or older

In some cases, like RLS onset during pregnancy or after sleep deprivation, RLS may go away naturally. In other cases, RLS may be a chronic problem without treatment.

Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome

There is no direct treatment for RLS. Some treatments used in mild to moderate cases of RLS are targeted at lifestyle changes such as:

• Beginning regular exercise
• Developing good sleeping patterns/habits
• Reducing the use of stimulants
• Reducing the consumption of alcohol and tobacco

Non-lifestyle treatment methods include:

• Leg massages
• Hot baths and/or ice packs
• A vibrating pad

In some cases drugs may be used, but the effects may relieve or worsen your RLS (results are sporadic) and the effectiveness may lessen over time.

If you live in Alaska and are concerned that you may be struggling with RLS, consult with us to learn more information about what you are dealing with.