How does restless legs feel like

Disruption of these pathways frequently results in involuntary movements. Sleep deprivation and other sleep conditions like sleep apnea also may aggravate or trigger symptoms in some people.

Reducing or completely eliminating these factors may relieve symptoms. The five basic criteria for clinically diagnosing the disorder are:.

Individuals may be asked about frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms; if movement helps to relieve symptoms; how much time it takes to fall asleep; any pain related to symptoms; and any tendency toward daytime sleep patterns and sleepiness, disturbance of sleep, or daytime function.

Laboratory tests may rule out other conditions such as kidney failure, iron deficiency anemia which is a separate condition related to iron deficiency , or pregnancy that may be causing symptoms of RLS. Blood tests can identify iron deficiencies as well as other medical disorders associated with RLS. Periodic limb movement of sleep during a sleep study can support the diagnosis of RLS but, again, is not exclusively seen in individuals with RLS. Diagnosing RLS in children may be especially difficult, since it may be hard for children to describe what they are experiencing, when and how often the symptoms occur, and how long symptoms last.

Pediatric RLS can sometimes be misdiagnosed as "growing pains" or attention deficit disorder. RLS can be treated, with care directed toward relieving symptoms. Moving the affected limb s may provide temporary relief. Sometimes RLS symptoms can be controlled by finding and treating an associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, or iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation or medications are usually helpful but no single medication effectively manages RLS for all individuals.

Trials of different drugs may be necessary. In addition, medications taken regularly may lose their effect over time or even make the condition worse, making it necessary to change medications. Lifestyle changes. Certain lifestyle changes and activities may provide some relief in persons with mild to moderate symptoms of RLS. These steps include avoiding or decreasing the use of alcohol and tobacco, changing or maintaining a regular sleep pattern, a program of moderate exercise, and massaging the legs, taking a warm bath, or using a heating pad or ice pack.

There are new medical devices that have been cleared by the U. Aerobic and leg-stretching exercises of moderate intensity also may provide some relief from mild symptoms. For individuals with low or low-normal blood tests called ferritin and transferrin saturation, a trial of iron supplements is recommended as the first treatment.

Iron supplements are available over-the-counter. A common side effect is upset stomach, which may improve with use of a different type of iron supplement. Because iron is not well-absorbed into the body by the gut, it may cause constipation that can be treated with a stool softeners such as polyethylene glycol.

Others may require iron given through an IV line in order to boost the iron levels and relieve symptoms. Anti-seizure drugs.

Anti-seizure drugs are becoming the first-line prescription drugs for those with RLS. Speak with your primary care physician and ask them if a sleep medicine consultation or a sleep study is appropriate for you. The symptoms you are experiencing are easily treatable in almost every case. By Bobby Boland , Contributing Writer. Aug 08, Better Me. How is RLS Diagnosed? The four basic criteria for diagnosis of RLS include the following: Symptoms include an overwhelming urge to move your legs, associated with a discomfort or unusual feeling Symptoms usually worsen at rest Discomfort typically goes away, either partially or totally, with movement The urge starts or gets worse in the evening Depending on your situation, your physician may recommend participation in a sleep study.

October 17, October 13, October 10, October 03, Most patients find moderate exercise helpful, but too much can make symptoms worse.

Working out late in the evening may also be unhelpful. In , a small study of 10 people found that magnesium reduced the symptoms of insomnia in people with RLS, and suggested that may be a useful treatment for people with PLMD.

However, the study considers magnesium investigational. People with kidney disease should be cautious with intake of magnesium. Magnesium is available in whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables.

Some people find that spraying magnesium oil onto the affected part can help, but this should not be used without first asking a doctor.

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. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others. Try to avoid it, especially in the evening. Learn more about how your diet can relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome ». Those strange sensations in your legs can be uncomfortable or painful. And those symptoms can make it almost impossible to fall asleep and stay asleep.

In addition to working with your doctor to find relief, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of restful sleep:. Check out more tips for better sleep with restless leg syndrome ».

Symptoms of RLS can spring up for the first time during pregnancy, usually in the last trimester. Data suggests that pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk of RLS. Some possibilities are vitamin or mineral deficiencies, hormonal changes, or nerve compression. Pregnancy can also cause leg cramps and difficulty sleeping.

These symptoms can be hard to distinguish from RLS. You may need to be tested for iron or other deficiencies. RLS in pregnancy usually goes away on its own within weeks after giving birth. Be sure to mention if you are breast-feeding.

Learn more about how restless leg syndrome can affect pregnancy ». Both sides of the body are usually involved, but some people have it on only one side. This causes involuntary leg twitching or jerking during sleep that can last all night long.

Peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, and kidney failure cause symptoms like RLS. Treating the underlying condition often helps. The same medications can improve symptoms of both conditions. Medication used to combat fatigue associated with chronic diseases can also cause this. Medication adjustments and home remedies may help. Anyone can have occasional leg cramps or strange sensations that come and go. When symptoms interfere with sleep, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Be sure to mention any underlying health conditions.

This includes one million school-age children. Among people with RLS, 35 percent had symptoms before age One in ten report symptoms by age Symptoms tend to worsen with age. Incidence is twice as high in women as in men. Pregnant women may have two or three times higher risk than the general population. Certain antihistamines, antinausea, antidepressant, or antipsychotic medications can trigger or worsen symptoms of RLS. PLMS involves involuntary leg twitching or jerking every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep.

But more than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. There are five gene variants associated with RLS.