You Need to Know More About Restless Legs

Many people have heard of Restless Legs Syndrome from infomercials on TV, but few really know what it is and why they need to know more about it. Think about anytime that you have had a constant urge to move your legs. This usually happens right before you fall asleep. Ever have that feeling? Maybe you experience weird sensations after you have been sitting for a long period of time and feel the need to move your legs. These are all signs that you may actually have Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).

In North America and Europe alone, almost ten percent of the population suffers from RLS – and that is the number that actually seek help for the problem. RLS is considered to be the most common neurological condition that people experience.

Symptoms

There are many symptoms that go along with RLS.

·       Insomnia

·       Flailing limbs

·       Involuntary movements

·       Fatigue

·       Poor quality sleep

·       Daytime sleepiness

Contracting RLS

While this is one of the most common neurological disorders, doctors are not sure exactly why people develop RLS. There is a lot of information being found in an array of studies. Some suggest a genetic component while others indicate side effects from medications.

Getting a Diagnosis

Usually the diagnosis for RLS is fairly straightforward. A doctor will want a full physical and medical history along with an overnight sleep study to watch sleep patterns. Sometimes RLS can be brought on by other sleep disorders and doctors will want to rule that possibility out.

The Natural Side

There are other explanations for RLS that fall to the natural, organic side of science. The first of these is dehydration. Water is one the most vital elements, aside from oxygen, in the human body. When the water, oxygen, nutrient, and mineral levels of the body are not balanced, it can cause the symptoms of RLS. One way to test this theory, if you are suffering from RLS symptoms, is to make sure that you are getting the recommended amount of water every day. This will help to deduce whether your symptoms are associated with dehydration.

Another potential culprit for RLS symptoms is a deficiency in various minerals. Anytime there is a deficiency in minerals or nutrients, the body reacts badly. One of these minerals is magnesium. The common diet of the Western world is often lacking in many nutrients. Other minerals that can imitate RLS are iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, often seen in female athletes, vegetarians, and women who are menstruating or pregnant.

Getting the Help You Need

The very first thing to do if you are experiencing RLS symptoms is to make sure you are getting plenty of water. This will rule out dehydration. Next, take a daily multi-vitamin or specific vitamin supplements to keep your mineral and nutrient levels in check. Blood tests can also be done by a doctor to determine if you are experiencing deficiencies and always talk to a doctor before starting a supplement regimen.

If you do suffer from RLS, there are things you can do to ease the symptoms. Consider stretching, walks, massage, meditation, acupuncture, and salt baths. These can all help to increase blood flow and relax the muscles. Making sure to take care of your body is the biggest component to controlling your RLS symptoms.

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