Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as tingling, crawling, or itching. RLS can cause significant discomfort and disruption to sleep, leading to fatigue and sleep deprivation. Treatment for RLS may involve lifestyle changes, medication, or other therapies to manage symptoms and improve sleep quality.

Causes

RLS is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the brain's regulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is involved in the regulation of movement. The exact cause of RLS is not known, but there are several factors that have been associated with the condition, including genetics, iron deficiency, kidney disease, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of RLS is usually made based on a person's symptoms and medical history. In some cases, a sleep study may be performed to rule out other sleep disorders.

Treatment

Treatment for RLS typically involves lifestyle changes and medications. Lifestyle changes may include regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Medications used to treat RLS include dopaminergic drugs, anticonvulsants, and iron supplementation. In some cases, other treatments such as physical therapy, massage, or spinal cord stimulation may also be recommended.

Seek help

It is important to seek the advice of a healthcare provider if you are experiencing symptoms of RLS. Early treatment can help improve sleep quality and reduce the impact of the condition on daily life.

References

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome. Retrieved from https://aasm.org/resources/patient-information/restless-legs-syndrome/
National Sleep Foundation. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/restless-legs-syndrome
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375016
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/disorders/restless_legs.html
World Health Organization. (2021). Sleep Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/sleep-disorders

Sleep medicine navigation.
Sleep disorders	Bruxism / Mouth breathing / Sleep apnea / Catathrenia / Central hypoventilation syndrome / Obesity hypoventilation syndrome / Obstructive sleep apnea / Periodic breathing
Anatomical	Bruxism / Mouth breathing / Sleep apnea / Catathrenia / Central hypoventilation syndrome / Obesity hypoventilation syndrome / Obstructive sleep apnea / Periodic breathing / Snoring
Dyssomnias	Excessive daytime sleepiness / Hypersomnia / Insomnia / Kleine–Levin syndrome / Narcolepsy / Night eating syndrome / Nocturia / Sleep state misperception
Circadian rhythm disorders	Advanced sleep phase disorder / Cyclic alternating pattern / Delayed sleep phase disorder / Irregular sleep–wake rhythm / Jet lag / Non-24-hour sleep–wake disorder / Shift work sleep disorder
Parasomnias	Nightmare disorder / Night terror / Periodic limb movement disorder / Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder / Sleepwalking / Sleepdriving / Sleep-talking
Benign phenomena	Dreams / Exploding head syndrome / Hypnic jerk / Hypnagogia / Sleep onset / Hypnopompia / Sleep paralysis / Sleep inertia / Somnolence / Nocturnal clitoral tumescence / Nocturnal penile tumescence / Nocturnal emission
Treatment	Sleep diary / Sleep hygiene / Sleep induction / Hypnosis / Somnology / Polysomnography / Behavioral sleep medicine / Sleep study / List of topics / WikiMD Restless leg syndrome

W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & Medspa Centers

New York:
- Brooklyn: W8MD's NYC Medical Weight Loss, sleep and medspa 2632 E.21st Street Ste L3, Brooklyn, New York 11235. Call (718) 946 5500
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia: Poly-Tech Sleep & W8MD Philadelphia Medical Weight Loss 1718, Welsh Rd, Philadelphia, PA, 19115. Call (215) 676 2334
- King of Prussia: Poly-Tech Sleep & W8MD King of Prussia Medical Weight Loss, Sleep and Medspa 175 Strafford Avenue, Wayne PA 19087 - Executive Commons Ste 1. (215) 676-2334.
New Jersey
- Cherry Hill: (coming soon) W8MD's New Jersey Weight Loss, Sleep Clinic 140 E Evesham Rd, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (215) 676 2334

Call (718) 946-5500

External links

Medical weight loss