How does your sleep position affect your health? Here are considerations for maximizing your sleep...
Read MoreRestless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes uncomfortable sensations in the arms and legs, accompanied by a strong urge to move them. Symptoms tend to strike at night, or when at rest for long periods of time.
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
The name itself—restless leg syndrome—is an accurate description of the condition, which is characterized by a persistent, unpleasant feeling in the legs or other extremities. The sensation is often described as crawling, throbbing, aching or pulling, and the severity can vary from patient to patient. Symptoms tend to strike at night or when the patient is sitting still and over time can contribute to sleep deprivation.
What are Restless Leg Syndrome’s Symptoms?
Some patients experience symptoms infrequently, while others find themselves overwhelmed with discomfort every time they sleep or sit for an extended period of time. This can make activities such as watching a movie, taking a plane ride or sleeping difficult. Restless leg syndrome can cause sleep deprivation, and secondary symptoms like fatigue and anxiety can appear if RLS goes untreated for a long period of time.
How is Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnosed?
In order to pinpoint the underlying cause of your condition, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms in detail and conduct a physical and focused neurological exam. Bloodwork is usually necessary, particularly iron levels. Iron deficiency is a common cause of RLS, and iron replacement can result in symptom relief in a large proportion of patients. Your doctor may also refer you to a sleep specialist for a sleep study. A polysomnogram, or sleep study, is a comprehensive test that transmits and records specific physical activities while you sleep, such as your heart rate, brain activity, eye movement and oxygen levels, through a series of electronic sensors placed on your legs, head and chest. A sleep study may be required to rule out other conditions that can worsen the condition but is not required to make a definitive diagnosis.
Restless Leg Syndrome Treatment Options
If you are diagnosed with RLS, there are a variety of potential treatments your doctor may recommend, based on the severity of your condition. Treatment options include:
two
Lifestyle Adjustments
People with RLS may benefit from lifestyle habits that help with better sleep, such as avoiding caffeine, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and practicing relaxation techniques.
Medications
Iron replacement may be curative if a patient has a documented deficiency. Other medications are also available to provide relief of symptoms.
What Sets Inspira’s RLS Treatments Apart
Sleep deprivation can lead to a number of health conditions, which is why screening for RLS is so important. At Inspira, we understand that better sleep leads to better health, and our sleep specialists work closely with other Inspira specialists, taking a holistic approach to care to understand your sleep disorder and other concurrent conditions.
Care at Inspira is always close to home, with a team of skilled, board-certified sleep specialists practicing at six sleep centers across South Jersey. With experienced providers and state-of-the-art technology in a calm environment, high-quality diagnostic and therapeutic sleep services are right in your backyard.
