It’s frustrating when you’re trying to get some sleep in bed and you suddenly get the sensation of wanting to move your legs. If your lower extremities begin to feel particularly twitchy while you’re in bed trying to sleep, or while immobile on a long-haul flight or car ride, know that this is most likely restless legs syndrome.
If you have this condition, you feel extreme leg discomfort with tingling and crawling sensations, and you only feel relief if you move your legs. It is considered a sleep disorder since restless legs syndrome can cause insomnia.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent restless legs syndrome. Let’s talk about this sleep condition and what you can do to mitigate the symptoms.
How Can I Prevent Restless Legs Syndrome?
Here are a few strategies for preventing restless legs syndrome that many people with this condition have found to be effective:
- Taking a warm bath or shower before going to bed
- Performing activities that are relaxing before bedtime, such as reading a book
- Avoiding stimulating drinks and foods before bed, such as coffee, tea, or chocolate
- Getting up quickly and taking a walk around the house when restless legs syndrome strikes
- Massaging and stretching your legs before bedtime and first thing in the morning
- Taking iron supplements (with your doctor’s approval) or eating a diet rich in iron
- Do not try to resist moving your legs when you have the sensation – get up and walk around
If these home remedies do not prove effective, speak to a sleep specialist to determine the proper diagnosis in order to find relief.
What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
The cause of restless legs syndrome is still unknown, but researchers have found a potential link between the condition and low levels of iron and dopamine, certain medications, chronic conditions, and pregnancy. There is also a very strong case for it being a genetic health condition.
Triggers of Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome has certain triggering factors. If you pay attention to them, you may be able to successfully prevent it. Some of the triggers are:
● Lengthy periods of inactivity and immobility
● Long drives and flights
● Staying seated for an hour or more
● Having a leg that’s in a cast
● Lack of sleep
Who Can Help My Restless Legs Syndrome?
To properly diagnose and treat restless legs syndrome, you need to be examined by sleep specialists in a medical sleep lab. At Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, we can provide a detailed examination and comprehensive evaluation of your sleep disorder after spending time in our cutting-edge sleep center in Weatherford, Texas.
Our sleep center is designed with all the comforts of home and is accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. We have helped many patients get back to healthy, restful sleep patterns again.
Tired of the strange urge to move your legs at night? Contact us at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas today by calling us at (817) 594-9993. It’s time to start getting a good night’s sleep, and we can help.