When Your Legs Won't Go To Sleep
Imagine trying to fall asleep when your legs are experiencing pain, discomfort, itching, pulling, tingling and/or prickling. Needless to say, getting a good night’s sleep becomes a real issue when you have restless leg syndrome.
The sleep disorder “is characterized by disagreeable leg sensations, usually prior to sleep onset, that is caused by an almost irresistible urge to move the legs,” according to the American Sleep Disorder Association.
Moving the legs brings partial or complete relief of the sensations, but the symptoms return soon after the leg action stops. Dr. James B. Maas, author of Power Sleep, said the syndrome often causes involuntary limb movements during sleep and during the day. Restless leg syndrome disrupts sleep and often is accompanied by intense anxiety or depression.
Anemia plays a role
Restless leg syndrome is more common in females. Pregnant women, those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and those who are anemic are at higher risk for the disorder. It’s estimated that between 5 to 15 percent of the population suffers from restless leg syndrome, with the peak onset period occurring in middle age.
Treating underlying causes such as the anemia or arthritis is the first line of relief. If those options are not netting results, or if no medical conditions appear to be contributing to the sleepless limbs, then a physician can prescribe medications specifically for restless leg symptoms.
For more information, contact the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation at (507) 287-6465 or at www.rls.org.
