Restless Leg SyndromeYou might be suffering from Restless Leg Syndrome if your legs tend to feel uncomfortable and 'twitchy' in the evenings, or when you're trying to fall asleep. Of course, 'Twitchy' isn't exactly a scientific term, and uncomfortable is pretty vague, but for RLS (restless legs syndrome) sufferers - current estimates put this at around 8% of the US population - the symptoms can vary quite a bit from person to person.
Some people describe it as a 'crawling' sensation in their legs, or a 'burning/prickling feeling'. For others it may even be painful. But for all restless leg syndrome sufferers, the feelings result in an overwhelming need to move their legs. Hence the name of this condition. It literally causes your legs to be restless!
What causes Restless Leg Syndrome?As yet, the exact cause of RLS isn't known, but scientists and researchers believe that many different conditions and activities play a part.A neurological imbalance, vitamin/mineral deficiencies and hormonal fluctuations are all possible factors. It's also been found that people suffering from certain medical conditions/diseases (see list below), tend to be more likely to experience the discomfort of restless legs syndrome.
But RLS isn't picky about who it targets. Anyone of any age, or either gender, can be affected, with women and the elderly seemingly to be most likely to develop symptoms. There is also believed to be a hereditary component, and if either (or both) of your parents have the condition you are more at risk of experiencing RLS at some point in your lifetime.
Symptoms of Restless Legs SyndromeAs you now know, the major symptom of RLS is an intense, and uncontrollable, desire to move your legs. You experience an inability to sit still, or at peace.The lower part of the leg (the calf) is usually affected, but sometimes the thigh, or even the arms, can feel the same strange sensations. These symptoms of RLS usually develop in the evening, and get worse as the night wears on. However, they can also appear at any time of the day, particularly during periods of inactivity. Such as when you've been sitting at your desk for some time, or during long road trips for example. The exact sensation, and their severity, varies from person to person. For some people, restless legs syndrome is merely irritating, for others it can be a major issue leading to chronic insomnia and it's associated problems. The duration and pattern of RLS symptoms appear to be equally random. For some, the condition will worsen over time, for others it may remain fairly constant in it's severity (or lack thereof), for still others, the discomfort may come and go (sometimes disappearing for months or even years), but may return unexpectedly at some later date. In my personal experience of RLS, the symptoms were worse when I was a teenager, and during my pregnancies, but over the last 20 plus years they have been almost non-existent. Of course, as I get older (who me?) they may get worse, who knows? I also tend to agree with the theory of a hereditary angle. My maternal grandma and my mom are both sufferers, and two of my children have had occasional episodes, so this would seem to bear out the 'pass it down in the genes' part.
RLS treatment and medicationVarious different methods of dealing with RLS exist, including treating any underlying physical/medical condition that may be causing the problem or eliminating certain medications or substances that may be RLS 'triggers'.Simple self-help measures such as exercise, relaxation or massage may also be recommended. Several medications are currently approved to treat restless leg syndrome, and your doctor can help you determine which approach (or combination of approaches) is best for you.
So.....
.... if 'twitchy legs' are interfering with your TV time (or sleep!), make an appointment with your doctor who can help you figure out why you're suffering, and help you feel better. Page/Article Links:
Sleep DisordersThe Benefits of Sleep Return from Restless Leg Syndrome to Homepage
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