RLS is classified as a sleep disorder since the symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep, and as a movement disorder, since people are forced to move their legs in order to relieve symptoms.
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
The single most consistent finding and the strongest environmental risk factor associated with RLS is iron insufficiency. Professor Nordlander first recognized the association between iron deficiency and RLS, and reported that treatment of the iron deficiency markedly improved, if not eliminated, the RLS symptoms.
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.
Conclusion: This study indicates that vitamin D supplementation improves the severity of RLS symptoms and advocates that vitamin D deficiency is conceivably associated with RLS.
Does having RLS increase the risk of developing PD? Since RLS affects as much as 4-10% of the US adult population, it is clear that the vast majority of those with RLS do not ever develop PD. Despite this, it still might be the case that RLS increases the risk of subsequently developing PD.
Gabapentinoids — Pregabalin, gabapentin, and gabapentin enacarbil are all appropriate first-line therapies for chronic persistent RLS in many patients [7,49,50].
Does Restless Legs Syndrome Ever Go Away by Itself? There are some cases of restless legs syndrome disappearing on its own. But this is rare. Instead, for most people symptoms get worse over time.
Dopamine agonists: These are most often the first medicines used to treat RLS. These drugs, including pramipexole (Mirapex), rotigotine (Neupro), and ropinirole (Requip), act like the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain.
RLS is both a sleep and a neurological sensory disorder. Treatment is directed toward symptom relief.
The cause of restless legs syndrome in most cases is unknown. Research shows that affected people often have too little or malfunctioning iron in the brain. “We also know that there's some problem with the dopamine system, and patients often have a good response to dopamine medicine,” says Allen.
To help relieve restless legs syndrome symptoms, start off by massaging, foam rolling, or using a rolling stick to relax the large muscles in your legs like your quads, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Once you have massaged them out, you can stretch all of these muscles as well with a stretch strap, dog leash, or belt.
Rotigotine (Neupro) and pramipexole (Mirapex) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved four drugs for treating RLS: ropinirole (Requip) pramipexole (Mirapex) gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant)
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.
A number of medications can make RLS worse. In particular, anti-nausea drugs and sedating antihistamines (like Benadryl) block the brain's dopamine receptors, causing restless legs symptoms. Antidepressants that increase serotonin and antipsychotic medications can also aggravate the condition.
People with restless leg syndrome (RLS) may benefit from using a weighted blanket. This is because the sensation of the blanket on your legs may override that restless leg feeling. Bear in mind that there are certain people who should avoid weighted blankets.
Forms and doses
For adolescent and adult men and women, daily doses of 270-350 mg are considered safe. Talk to a medical professional about the proper dosage for you. Magnesium sulfate can be administered via IV, though the oral supplement would likely be used instead for treating RLS.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), known as a kind of neurological disease, is prevalent but easy to be ignored. Studies have demonstrated that massage therapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of patients with RLS and improve their quality of life.
Many find rubbing Vicks VapoRub to be useful for RLS. Light rubbing with eucalyptus oil may also be effective. Tonic water with quinine, too, seems to help some.
Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming, irresistible urge to move the legs.
Poor sleep habits, which are part of sleep hygiene, are a common cause of insufficient or low-quality sleep. Having an inconsistent sleep schedule, using electronic devices in bed, and eating too late at night are examples of habits and routines that can lead to restless sleep.