It may take a month before iron levels increase and RLS symptoms decline. During that period, if RLS is intolerable, Dr. Winkelman recommends prescription medication to treat it. Medication may also be recommended for RLS if you are not deficient in iron.
It may subside after an hour or so, but it may be present for so long that sleep is disrupted. The discomfort of RLS can be described as an aching, creeping, tingling, crawling, pulling, searing, or bubbling sensation.
massaging your legs. taking a hot bath in the evening. applying a hot compress to your leg muscles. doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television.
There are no cures for primary restless legs syndrome, or RLS, although various treatments often can help relieve symptoms. Treatment for secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS caused by another medical problem) involves treating the underlying cause.
have iron deficiency anaemia – low levels of iron in the blood can lead to a fall in dopamine, triggering restless legs syndrome.
In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown. However, RLS often runs in families and specific gene variants have been associated with the condition. Low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS. RLS also may be related to a dysfunction in a part of your brain that controls movement.
Magnesium supplementation is often suggested for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or period limb movement disorder (PLMD) based on anecdotal evidence that it relieves symptoms and because it is also commonly recommended for leg cramps.
Although there's no cure for restless legs syndrome, medications and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms and increase restful sleep. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco may help. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs or using a heating pad or ice pack can also relieve symptoms.
Since the symptoms of the syndrome appear or worsen in resting and immobility times, these symptoms may improve by moving. Therefore, moderate exercise can be helpful (2). Exercises like walking, massaging, stretching, swimming, and stationary cycle can help relieve symptoms (12).
Stretches for RLS
Slightly bend your right knee and step your left leg back a foot or two, positioning its heel and foot flat on the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Now bend your left knee while still keeping its heel and foot flat on the floor. For a deeper stretch, move your foot back a bit farther.
Lifestyle changes, such as limiting caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, may be helpful in controlling RLS. Adding regular exercise and relaxation techniques, such as warm baths or massage, can get your body more ready for sleep.
Studies suggest that vitamins C, D, and E may help people experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS). People with RLS experience unpleasant sensations in the legs with the irresistible urge to move them.
Restless legs syndrome may cause you to get fewer hours of sleep each night. Many people with severe cases get less than five hours of sleep per night. Milder cases do not disturb your sleep as much, though the sleep may be of poorer quality.
Although RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from barely bothersome to incapacitating. Many people with RLS find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Severe RLS can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression.
RLS episodes usually occur between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Symptoms are often worse shortly after midnight and disappear by morning. If the condition becomes more severe, people may begin to have symptoms during the day, but the problem is always worse at night.
Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements can reduce the severity of symptoms of RLS/WED patients and improve their sleep quality.
The recommended daily amount of elemental magnesium in a supplement form is between 200 to 400 mg daily for adults. Taking it at bedtime should benefit sleep.
The top three foods to avoid are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods. Additionally, you will also want to avoid any foods or beverages that contain caffeine, since this can stimulate your nerves and make your symptoms more severe. These include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.
If you have RLS, you should also see a doctor if you are: Losing sleep often. Feeling depressed or anxious. Having trouble concentrating.
Restless Leg Syndrome is a common symptom of anxiety. We traced this symptom to the adverse effects of chronic stress. Specifically, apprehensive behavior stresses the body. A body that becomes chronically stressed can exhibit symptoms of stress.
What Medical Conditions Are Linked to RLS? Many different medical conditions have been linked to RLS. The two most common conditions are iron-deficiency anemia (low blood count) and peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves of the arms and legs, often caused by underlying conditions such as diabetes).
Don't try melatonin
Melatonin also inhibits the secretion of dopamine, which makes it bad news for restless legs syndrome patients. It might increase RLS symptoms in the evening and night, according to researchers at Sacre-Coeur Hospital in Montreal.
Although a connection between this strange syndrome and heart disease sounds unlikely, it does exist. Moreover, it was recently discovered that women with RLS are at increased risk of dying from heart disease.