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Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that often
occurs in otherwise healthy individuals. It is characterized
by discomfort in the lower limbs while at rest, usually just
prior to sleep or during periods of wakefulness at night. People
often describe the discomfort as an aching pain, or as a “tingling,”
“creeping/crawling” or other bothersome sensation.
RLS is more common in older people, but can occur in young adults
as well.
People who suffer from RLS often report difficulties falling
asleep or staying asleep. These difficulties may range from
mild to severe, but in many cases result in significant nighttime
distress and daytime fatigue. Sufferers often report the problem
of “insomnia” to their doctors; however, it is
important to distinguish RLS from primary insomnia because
the treatments are different. RLS does not improve with conventional
treatments for “insomnia.”
One interesting fact about RLS is that symptoms usually occur
when the sufferer is at rest, but are not present during periods
of activity. Therefore, people with RLS often report that
the discomfort in their limbs goes away if they get out of
bed and walk about. Even non-physical activity can seemingly
reduce the symptoms of RLS!
Treatment of RLS can begin at home. Many people find relief
from massage, applied heat, or hot baths before bedtime. A
number of medications also have been found to be effective
and safe in the treatment of RLS. These medications act on
the neurotransmitter substance “dopamine.”
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is a condition in which
brief movements of the lower limbs occur repetitively during
sleep. These movements usually last between a half second
and five seconds, and repeat once or twice per minute for
long stretches of the night. Movements can be mild, such as
the movement of a toe, or severe, such as a powerful leg jerk
or kick. Some sleepers have reported that they’ve literally
made their spouses black and blue from kicking they’ve
done while asleep!
PLMD is rare in people under 30 years of age, but is more
common in older people. Many people with this condition are
unaware of the problem, unless they also have RLS along with
it. Therefore, a common report from people with PLMD is difficulty
falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Since the movements
associated with PLMD disrupt sleep and prevent the sleeper
from enjoying deep, restful sleep, the sufferer also often
feels that sleep is not restful or restorative.
The treatment of PLMD usually involves the use of medications
that act on the neurotransmitter substance “dopamine.”
Treatment of underlying causes of PLMD, such as iron deficiency,
also provides relief.
Evaluation of RLS and PLMD
The evaluation of RLS and PLMD always involves discussion
with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a sleep laboratory
for overnight evaluation in order to make the diagnosis of
RLS or PLMD, and to help determine an appropriate treatment
plan.
For information about RLS and PLMD, speak to your doctor.
Additional information may be found at www.clinilabs.com,
and patient information brochures may be obtained by calling
212-994-5100.
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