Making simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms of RLS
- Try baths and massages for Restless Legs Syndrome Home Remedies . Soaking in a warm bath and massaging your legs can relax your muscles. Epson Salts Soaks go way back as one of the bestRestless Legs Syndrome Home Remedies.
- Apply warm or cool packs. Use of heat or cold, or alternating use of the two, may lessen your limb sensations.
- Establish good sleep hygiene. Fatigue tends to worsen symptoms of RLS/WED, so it’s important that you practice good sleep hygiene. Ideally, have a cool, quiet, comfortable sleeping environment; go to bed and rise at the same time daily; and get adequate sleep.
- Exercise. Getting moderate, regular exercise may relieve symptoms of RLS/WED, but overdoing it or working out too late in the day may intensify symptoms.
- Avoid caffeine. Sometimes cutting back on caffeine may help restless legs. Try to avoid caffeine-containing products, including chocolate and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and soft drinks, for a few weeks to see if this helps.
Can Restless Legs Syndrome Develop Into Something More Serious?
Most people with restless legs syndrome have the “idiopathic” form, meaning there’s no known cause. For them, there is no risk of RLS developing into something more serious, like Parkinson’s disease.
Restless legs syndrome can get worse in people with other medical conditions if they don’t get those conditions treated.
Can RLS disappear on its own?
There have been some cases there restless legs syndrome has gone away by itself; however, these cases are extremely rare. its own. For most sufferers it is more common that their symptoms worsen as time passes.
For those experiencing RLS symptoms caused by an underlying physical condition, The primary area of treatment should focus on the pre-existing condition. This is the most likely way to successfully improve their RLS.
Are There Treatments for Restless Legs Syndrome?
Medications
Your doctor will recommend you medication if you show some symptoms of RLS or if you are suffering from it for 3 three days a week.
Always remember that medications are only for those patients who have a mild RLS, if your condition is serious them this may not be the best treatment for you.
Here are some of the most used medication for mild RLS, your doctor may also recommend you this, make sure to take them daily and tell your doctor if you see any changes:
1. Medications To Increase Amount Of Dopamine In The Brain
These medications include:
Pramipexole
Rotigotine
Ropinirole
Dopamine is an important hormone to the human body, it plays important role in body function and muscle movements.
It has been found that low amount of dopamine can interfere with muscle movements and mental health problems which is the reason you feel disturbance in your legs when you sleep.
However, there are some side effects of these medicines some of them include:
• Daytime sleepiness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness
2. Anti-Seizure Drugs
Anti-seizures are gaining a lot of popularity nowadays and its given to those people who face pain with their RLS symptoms.
The reason they are gaining popularity is because they can be used as dopamine increasers as well!
Gabapentin enacarbil and pregabali are two drugs that show really promising results!
Additionally it has been found that they can give you quality sleep with less amount of side effects.
However there is a dangerous side effect of these drugs which is breath in difficulties.
This can be a big problem to people with asthma, people with lung diseases and elderly people.
There are some more minor side effects too which include dizziness, sleepiness and fatigue.
You should take these medicines as advised by your doctor and inform them if you see any changes!
Can RLS be associated with other neurological or sleep disorders?
Yes, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) can be associated with other neurological or sleep disorders. RLS is a neurological disorder itself, but it can coexist with or be related to other medical conditions, particularly those affecting sleep or the nervous system. Some of the common associations include:
- Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD): PLMD involves involuntary limb movements during sleep, often affecting the legs. RLS and PLMD can occur together, and PLMD can worsen RLS symptoms.
- Sleep Apnea: Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by breathing interruptions during sleep. RLS and sleep apnea can occur together, leading to disrupted sleep and increased daytime fatigue.
- Insomnia: RLS can contribute to insomnia, as the urge to move the legs can disrupt sleep initiation and maintenance.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage in the legs, known as peripheral neuropathy, can lead to RLS-like symptoms in some individuals.
- Iron Deficiency Anemia: Low iron levels have been associated with RLS, and iron deficiency anemia can exacerbate RLS symptoms.
- Parkinson’s Disease: RLS is more prevalent among individuals with Parkinson’s disease, and some studies suggest that RLS symptoms can precede the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): RLS can be more common in people with MS, potentially related to the neurological changes associated with the condition.
- Fibromyalgia: There may be an association between fibromyalgia and RLS, as both conditions involve increased sensitivity to pain.
- Pregnancy: RLS is more prevalent during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. It is thought to be related to hormonal changes and increased blood volume.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): RLS has been reported to be more prevalent in individuals with chronic kidney disease. The relationship between CKD and RLS is complex and may involve factors like iron deficiency and impaired kidney function.
What role does dopamine play in RLS?
Dopamine plays a significant role in Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in controlling muscle movements, and disruptions in the dopamine pathways can lead to the symptoms of RLS. Research suggests that RLS may be linked to dysfunction in the brain’s dopamine system, which affects movement regulation.
Here are some key points about dopamine’s role in RLS:
- Dopamine Dysregulation: RLS is associated with abnormalities in dopamine signaling. These abnormalities can lead to the sensory and motor symptoms characteristic of the condition.
- Circadian Rhythm Influence: Dopamine levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking during the daytime and decreasing at night.
- Iron Connection: Iron is essential for dopamine synthesis and function. Many people with RLS have low iron levels or deficiencies in iron metabolism in the brain, which can affect dopamine production and function.
How can you create a sleep environment that helps manage RLS symptoms?
Creating a sleep environment that helps manage Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) symptoms involves several strategies to promote relaxation and minimize discomfort. Here are some tips:
- Keep the Bedroom Cool and Comfortable:
– Maintain a cool temperature in the bedroom, as overheating can exacerbate RLS symptoms.
– Use comfortable bedding and pillows to support a restful sleep.
- Establish a Consistent Sleep Routine:
– Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body’s internal clock.
– Develop a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or taking a warm bath, to signal your body that it’s time to sleep.
- Reduce Stimulants and Irritants:
– Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime, as these can worsen RLS symptoms.
– Limit exposure to screens (phones, tablets, computers) before bed, as the blue light can interfere with melatonin production and disrupt sleep.
For more information, talk to our Drs. at the Advanced Vein Center. A Doppler exam can reveal any underlying venous causes that can be treated.