Restless legs syndrome is a condition that produces an intense, often irresistible urge to move your legs because of unpleasant sensations, usually while you are trying to sleep. Moving your legs sometimes provides temporary relief. Restless legs syndrome often interferes with sleep, and that can lead to severe fatigue and problems functioning during the day.
What causes restless legs syndrome?
The cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown. It may be genetic because it runs in families. Conditions such as iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia, kidney failure, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease may be associated with it. However, most people who seek treatment do not have one of these other conditions. Restless legs syndrome may result from abnormal balances of iron in your blood and of the brain chemical dopamine. However, more research is needed to prove a connection.
What are the symptoms?
Restless legs syndrome causes uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensations in the legs described as tingling, "pins and needles," prickling, pulling, or crawling. The sensations cause an irresistible urge to move your legs. Movement may temporarily relieve the discomfort. This usually happens at night while you are trying to rest.
Once you fall asleep, your legs may begin to jerk or move involuntarily. These movements, called periodic limb movements, can wake you from sleep, adding to problems with fatigue. Periodic limb movements may also occur during the day, although you may not recognize them as a problem. While periodic limb movement is considered a separate condition, it often occurs with restless legs syndrome.
How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?
Restless legs syndrome is diagnosed primarily through a doctor's evaluation of your symptoms. Sometimes a sleep study called a polysomnography is done to record the number of involuntary body movements you make that interfere with your sleep. You may have other tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that can cause your symptoms.
How is it treated?
Regular moderate exercise and stretching along with avoiding smoking and caffeine may be enough to relieve mild symptoms. When symptoms are more severe or make it hard to sleep, medicines often help.
There are ways to improve your symptoms of restless legs syndrome at home.
Try:
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Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise may reduce symptoms. Avoiding long periods between activity or sudden bursts of intense activity may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor before starting a regular exercise program.
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Heat or cold. Your symptoms may be relieved by bathing in very hot or very cold water. Applying a heating pad or ice bag to your legs may also help symptoms.
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Changing your sleep schedule. Fatigue can make your symptoms worse. Since symptoms typically improve around 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., try going to bed later than usual or allowing extra time for sleeping in to help you get the rest you need.
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Stretching and massage. You may be able to control your symptoms by gently stretching and massaging your legs before bed or as discomfort begins.
Avoid:
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Caffeine and alcohol. These may make your symptoms worse.
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Certain drugs. It may help to avoid antidepressants, antihistamines, cold and sinus medicine, antipsychotic medicine, and certain antinausea drugs (metoclopramide or prochlorperazine). Taking products that contain these ingredients may make your symptoms worse. Your doctor needs to know what medicines you are taking in order to rule them out as a cause of your symptoms.
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Being confined for long periods. Try to plan for situations where you will need to remain seated for long stretches. For example, if you are traveling by car, plan to make occasional stops so you can get out and walk around.
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Excessive exercise. Although moderate exercise may help relieve symptoms, unusually intense workouts may make them worse. Try to identify at what level exercise helps and at what point it triggers restless legs syndrome.
See your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse or significantly interfere with sleep and daily functioning.
