Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome Sleep Disorder - By: Don Saunders

Recent news stories and TV commercials have clearly shown the discomfort of Restless Leg Syndrome sleep disorder (normally called simply RLS) to all of us. While naturally those people who have suffered with the disorder for many years know all too well the ways in which RLS can disrupt everyday life. As it becomes more widely known people might discover the root cause of their mysterious symptoms and begin to ask questions of their physician. More importantly they will come to see their symptoms as real and not imagined and they are not alone.

Probably the simplest description of how RLS affects a person is to say that it is a disorder in which you experience an inability to relax. When a person sits down or lays down at night their legs begin to feel like pins and needles are being stuck into them or suffer a creepy or crawling feeling and the need to continually move their legs, making it nearly impossible to sleep. This alone explains why one of the chief effects of RLS is insomnia.

As research has progressed it has been seen that many of those with RLS also have family members with this disorder and that there is almost certainly a genetic component to the disorder. This genetic element is an important one when it comes to diagnosing RLS in children as they often do not vocalize their pain or discomfort in the same way as an adult and the disorder is often misdiagnosed, as muscle cramps, arthritis, stress and insomnia and focus is often put on the child’s irritability, inattentiveness and restlessness as what is referred to as growing pains.

Additionally, at times pregnant women find themselves with the symptoms of RLS throughout their pregnancy with the worst symptoms of the condition appearing in their final trimester. But, because of their pregnancy, medication is frequently not recommended until the last two or three months when the effects on their baby will be minimal.

Diagnosis is the first and foremost concern for anyone who suffers from RLS symptoms because it is after diagnosis that treatment can start and relief begin.

Treatment for RLS varies widely from one individual to the next and depends upon the severity of the symptoms. Medication is commonly prescribed for severe cases with Mirapex and Requip being the two most well known prescribed medicines. For those who do not like to take medication there are alternative methods like acupuncture and a variety of homeopathic remedies. Also, lifestyle changes like using hot and cold packs, exercise and relaxation may also be used to relieve symptoms.

While it may seem appropriate to look for the best relief for your symptoms on your own you should check with your doctor first as RLS can sometimes be a secondary condition and be caused by another disorder or condition as, for instance, when it occurs during pregnancy. Making use of your own plan could result in further problems and therefore not result in the relief you want.

As each person is unique individual so too are our symptoms and an understanding of this fact is vital when it comes to a disorder like RLS. It is only with sound knowledge of this disorder that appropriate treatment can be given and the leg pain which accompanies RLS will become a memory.

About the Author

Are you experiencing painful legs when trying to sleep? If so you might well be suffering from restless leg syndrone and so now may be an excellent time to learn a little more about the symptoms of this condition and restless leg treatment.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Don-Saunders/17211

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