Restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder that creates an overpowering urge to move your legs. This disorder is also known as RLS or Willis-Ekbom disease, it can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age if not treated. Medical professionals have linked this disorder to various causes, from nutrition to nerve damage. Follow along with us to learn what restless leg syndrome is, how to heal it, and why it might be so prevalent today.
1.What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Anyone who has had restless leg syndrome will say that their symptoms usually occur later in the evening and become the most severe when resting or lying in bed to fall asleep. It can also occur at any time of day if they are inactive or sitting for long periods of time such as watching a movie or taking a trip in a plane or long drive. Restless leg syndrome is both classified as a sleep disorder as well as a movement disorder. This is due to the negative effects on sleep and that movement relieves the condition. RLS would be best described as a neurological disorder because the stimulus originates in the brain.
2. What Is The Biggest Concern with RLS?
The majority of America is sleep-deprived, most of us think “well that’s just life”. The sleep deprivation that comes with RLS is a major concern, it’s not just restless legs, it’s a constant need to move them that keeps you awake all night long. By staying up all night, there is a major effect on your mood, which changes your ability to concentrate on work or school performance and personal relationships.
3.Who Is Most Likely To Have RLS?
Restless leg syndrome is more common in women than in men. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop this condition as men. This condition usually affects people over the age of 45 years old, and if you have a family member that has this then you might be genetically predisposed to having the same problem.
4. Can Restless Leg Syndrome Ever Go Away by Itself?
It is rare for this condition to go away on its own. There is usually some type of underlying cause that is creating the restless leg syndrome. Usually, the symptoms will get worse if you do not find the underlying cause and treat it. RLS is related to many causes, sometimes they are severe and other times the cause may be simple changes in your routine, such as dietary sensitivities.
5.What Are The Most Common Causes For Restless Leg Syndrome?
Excessive caffeine use is one of the most common causes of RLS. Most people will be told immediately to lessen the consumption. Ideally, the best solution would be to wean off caffeine slowly then completely abstain from consuming caffeine. Caffeine causes RLS by putting the limbs on a semi-automatic fat-burning mission by lowering the neuron activation threshold making it easier for the muscles to burn fat for energy. This reduces the perception of exerting the needed effort to burn fat. The aftereffect of its metabolism is translated into the irresistible urge to move those limbs.
Unlike caffeine, alcohol may not actually be a cause for RLS, however, we listed it here because it can greatly exaggerate the symptom of RLS. Often people will think that having a drink or two of alcohol can help relax their body and have a good sleep, which will relax the symptoms. Having a drink or two may help a person fall asleep initially, but it also has negative effects on the REM cycle in sleep, which is the deep restorative sleep that you need to function normally during the day. People who suffer from RLS will notice an increase in symptoms the more tired they are. Therefore alcohol can exaggerate RLS symptoms.
In recent years, there has been a lot of studies researching what it is that causes RLS. Scientists have found a connection between dopamine and RLS. Dopamine is the feel-good hormone, and they have found that it’s not just about how much dopamine you have but its whether or not you can utilize the dopamine running through your system. Interestingly enough iron is required for the function of dopamine receptors which would make you think, well just comsume more iron. Unfortunatley taking more iron isn’t going to solve the problem. In fact, it could end up causing RLS symptoms to flare up even more.
