Restless legs lead to restless nights

Do you wrestle to go to sleep as a result of your legs really feel twitchy or uncomfortable? You’re not alone. In accordance with a latest survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medication (AASM), 13% of Americans report they’ve been identified with restless legs syndrome (RLS). With Stressed Legs Syndrome Consciousness Day on Sept. 23, it’s a good time to grasp how RLS impacts sleep and well being.

What’s stressed legs syndrome?

RLS is a neurological dysfunction that causes an irresistible urge to maneuver the legs, typically paired with uncomfortable sensations like twitching, aching or a crawling feeling. These signs normally start within the night or while you’re making an attempt to calm down in mattress, however they enhance with motion like strolling, stretching and even massaging the legs.

Nevertheless, many individuals don’t view these signs as severe considerations, so that they wait years earlier than looking for therapy for RLS.

How does RLS impression sleep?

Sleep is without doubt one of the pillars of excellent well being, together with diet and train. However if in case you have RLS, getting sufficient high quality sleep generally is a problem. The discomfort makes it arduous to go to sleep and keep asleep.

Once you lose sleep, it impacts your day-to-day life. You would possibly really feel extra irritable, wrestle to pay attention and expertise fatigue, all of which may decrease your productiveness. Over time, continual sleep loss from RLS can impression your high quality of life.

Psychological well being results of RLS

The impression of RLS goes past sleep. The Patient ODYSSEY II Survey carried out by the RLS Basis discovered that folks with RLS expertise melancholy and anxiousness at 4 occasions the speed of the final U.S. inhabitants.

This connection between RLS and psychological well being makes it much more necessary to hunt therapy early.

Don’t delay analysis and therapy

So, what are you able to do should you assume you’ve RLS? Step one is speaking to your well being care skilled. Early analysis and therapy are key to enhancing each sleep and total well being.

Though the causes of RLS can fluctuate from individual to individual, signs might generally be worsened by different well being situations or drugs. Luckily for most individuals, RLS is manageable with way of life changes, units, nutritional vitamins or remedy.

In case you’re experiencing signs, your well being care skilled might refer you to a sleep specialist at an AASM-accredited sleep center for additional analysis.

Unfold the phrase on RLS Consciousness Day

On Sept. 23, assist unfold consciousness about RLS. By elevating consciousness, you’ll be able to assist others perceive their signs, search therapy and get restorative sleep. Obtain an “RLS Aware” poster from the RLS Basis.