Rls why

In some cases, restless legs syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure. This is known as secondary restless legs syndrome. There's also a link between restless legs syndrome and pregnancy. About 1 in 5 pregnant women will experience symptoms in the last 3 months of their pregnancy, although it's not clear exactly why this is. In such cases, restless legs syndrome usually disappears after the woman has given birth.

Find out more about the causes of restless legs syndrome. Mild cases of restless legs syndrome that are not linked to an underlying health condition may not require any treatment, other than making a few lifestyle changes. If your symptoms are more severe, you may need medication to regulate the levels of dopamine and iron in your body. If restless legs syndrome is caused by iron deficiency anaemia, iron supplements may be all that's needed to treat the symptoms. Periodic limb movement disorder PLMD Periodic limb movement disorder involves uncontrollable jerking of the legs or, occasionally, the arms.

During sleep, these recurring movements can be severe enough to wake the sleeper. In other cases, the person sleeps, but only lightly, since the jerks rouse them from deep slumber without waking them. The result may be poor sleep quality and daytime fatigue. The jerking can increase or decrease in severity from one night to the next, for no apparent reason.

Sleep deprivation and restless legs syndrome Standing up, walking or any other exercise that involves the legs can usually relieve the unpleasant physical sensations of RLS.

Sleep deprivation is one of the more common side effects of RLS, since sufferers may need to get out of bed and walk around many times every night in order to alleviate the cramps. The nervous system and RLS Restless legs syndrome is thought to be caused by some type of malfunction of the motor system and, more specifically, of the dopamine pathway. However, research so far has failed to find any abnormalities in the brains, nerves or muscles of any RLS sufferer.

Since the cause of RLS is unknown, the treatments that are available relieve the symptoms rather than curing the condition. Some people find that symptoms improve if they cut back or avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. Successfully managing an underlying condition, such as anaemia or diabetes, can sometimes alleviate RLS.

As with many sleep disorders, inadequate sleep or sleep deprivation will make RLS worse. It is very important to correct iron deficiency, after investigation of the cause of the iron deficiency.

In some cases, an intravenous infusion IV drip into your vein of iron is needed. Overview Restless legs syndrome RLS is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Restless legs syndrome.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Nov. Ondo WG. Clinical features and diagnosis of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults.

Silber MH. Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. Garcia-Borreguero D, et al. Sleep Medicine. Winkelman JW, et al. Practice guideline summary: Treatment of restless legs syndrome in adults — Report of the guideline development, dissemination and implementation subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.

Silber MH, et al. The appropriate use of opioids in the treatment of refractory restless legs syndrome. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Trenkwalder, et al.

Studies into the effects of vitamin D on RLS have produced mixed results. Some link high Vitamin D with fewer symptoms, while others suggest that additional vitamin D is linked to a higher incidence during the summer months. Staying hydrated may also help. This can be achieved by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Periodic limb movement disorder PLMD is characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements of the limbs during sleep, and is the only condition….

A new study finds that the common sleep disturbance raises the risk of cardiovascular-related mortality, particularly among elderly women. Polyneuropathy is damage to multiple nerves outside of the brain and central nervous system. This can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility…. Peripheral neuropathy is most common among people with diabetes, causing impairment in the peripheral nervous system Find out here about other medical….

Everything you need to know about restless legs syndrome. Symptoms Pregnancy Treatment Types Home remedies We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest RLS is classified as a sleep disorder.

Share on Pinterest Warm baths are a simple home remedy that can help relieve symptoms. Home remedies. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals.

Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is periodic limb movement disorder?