For some people, sleepless nights can be caused by increased mental alertness, a reaction to caffeine, or overstimulation from using a device too close to bedtime.
But for those affected by restless legs syndrome (RLS), getting quality rest can seem impossible.
RLS is a nervous system disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs, often accompanied by tingling, pain, numbness, or a “pulling” sensation.
“How much sleep is too much?” Ask your doctor
Fox News Digital spoke to two doctors to learn more about the condition, its triggers and ways to reduce symptoms.
RLS is a medical condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by tingling, pain, numbness, or a “pulling” sensation. (St. Petersburg)
What you need to know about restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes an unpleasant urge to move your legs.
“This usually happens in the evening or at night when someone is sitting or lying down, but it can happen any time someone is sitting for an extended period of time, such as when riding in a car or airplane.” says Dr. Beth Ohler, a family physician. Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kansas, told Fox News Digital. “This interferes with sleep and rest.”
Top 5 worries keeping Americans up at night and top 5 worst sleep habits
Restless legs syndrome affects 7% to 10% of the U.S. population.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is more common in women and the risk increases as you get older.
Restless legs syndrome affects 7% to 10% of the U.S. population. It is more common in women, and the risk increases with age. (St. Petersburg)
This condition is known as early-onset restless legs syndrome if diagnosed before age 45. This type tends to run in families and progresses slowly, Ohler said.
Late-onset restless legs syndrome begins after age 45 and progresses more rapidly.
Symptoms and causes
An unpleasant sensation in the legs that leads to an urge to move the legs is the main symptom of restless legs syndrome.
“This is often described as a tingling, itching, crawling, crawling sensation, or a painful or throbbing sensation,” Ohler says.
“These sensations are most common in the calf area, and they get worse when you're resting.”
Experts recommend doing this activity before bed to improve your sleep
Symptoms are usually most noticeable in the evening, but may also occur when sitting for long periods of time.
The exact cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown, but genetics may play a role.
“There are several genetic mutations that are associated with restless legs syndrome, which often runs in families,” Professor Ohler said.
Experts say some medications are also linked to restless legs syndrome, as are too much caffeine and alcohol. (St. Petersburg)
Some medications have also been linked to restless legs syndrome, as have too much caffeine and alcohol, she added.
Certain lifestyle habits can influence this condition, says Mike Seville, M.D., a family physician at Salem Family Care in Salem, Ohio.
“When we talk to patients, we find that there may be individual triggers that worsen the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine,” he told Fox News Digital.
find peace
“There is no way to prevent restless legs syndrome, and its severity varies from person to person,” Ohler says.
Doctors say that people experiencing restless legs syndrome find relief when they move their legs, but this relief only lasts for a short period of time.
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She noted that while there is no cure, there are ways to reduce symptoms.
First-line treatment is to test for and correct any existing iron deficiency that may be a contributing factor.
According to doctors, restless legs syndrome can occur anytime you sit for long periods of time, such as when riding in a car or airplane. (St. Petersburg)
Lifestyle changes may also help reduce the occurrence and symptoms of restless legs syndrome, Ohler said.
Moderate exercise can help improve symptoms, but she recommends avoiding strenuous or strenuous exercise several hours before bed.
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Salem suggests stretching your leg muscles in the evening, soaking your legs in a warm bathtub, and aiming for a regular sleep schedule of six to eight hours each night.
Experts say stretching exercises may help relieve symptoms. (St. Petersburg)
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the hours before bed can also help prevent symptoms.
Even if these approaches are ineffective, there are medications available to treat restless legs syndrome.
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“Typically, the first medication prescribed is one that increases dopamine in the legs, such as pramipexole or ropinirole,” Ohler says.
Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms that cause sleep disturbances should contact their doctor for instructions.
