Is Restless Leg Syndrome preventing you from getting the quality sleep you need? Dr. Richard Bogan, Dr. Laura Herpel, and the team at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, are here to help you find the relief you need.
Understanding Restless Leg Syndrome
Sleep plays a very important role in our general health and well-being. It allows our bodies to rest, restore, and heal each day. Unfortunately, there are many sleep disorders that can impact whether we can fall asleep, how much sleep we get, and how good the quality of that sleep is. One of these is Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS. Below, Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC, explain RLS, its symptoms, and more.
What Exactly Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS is a sleep disorder in which the sufferer experiences sensations that cause the overwhelming need to move their legs while sleeping. While people can experience RLS at any hour of the day, it’s more common when they lie down or try to relax, which is why it interferes with sleep so often.
What Are the Symptoms?
RLS is characterized by a variety of sensations in the legs. It typically makes the sufferer feel twitchiness, a general feeling of discomfort, prickling, as though something is crawling or pulling on their legs, or a similar sensation that makes it difficult not to move. Some people describe it as their legs wanting to move on their own.
Causes and Triggers
Some cases of RLS have been linked to medical conditions, such as neuropathy, iron deficiency, and Parkinson’s disease. Unfortunately, most cases have no known cause. However, the following have been known to trigger symptoms:
- Caffeine
- Nicotine
- Some medications
- Alcohol
- Obesity
- Stress
- Sedentary lifestyle
Treating RLS
In most cases, taking certain measures at home is highly effective in relieving RLS symptoms. These can include steps such as:
- Increasing your iron intake
- Implementing stress management techniques
- Losing weight
- Reducing or eliminating caffeine
- Quitting smoking and drinking
- Exercising regularly
- Getting or giving yourself leg massages
In more severe cases, medication and medical devices are available, including prescription vibrating pads, compression foot wraps, and pneumatic compression devices. These can help relax the legs and improve blood circulation, which can help you get good quality sleep. Your healthcare provider can work with you to determine the best lifestyle adjustments as well as medication and devices when necessary to ensure optimal results.
Learn more about Restless Leg Syndrome and whether it’s impacting your sleep by visiting Dr. Bogan and Dr. Herpel at Bogan Sleep Consultants in Columbia, SC. Call (803) 251-3093 to schedule an appointment today.
