Patients often complain that I often cannot sleep at night or wake up in the middle of the night and find that their legs really want to move. Some people even wonder if they are hyperactive.
Usually I would ask if it would be better if I got up and walked around, but as soon as I lay down the uncomfortable feeling started again!
The patient said: Yes, yes, yes! That's right! That's it, and there's a tingling sensation...
Obviously, this is one of the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
What is restless legs syndrome? Restless legs syndrome is a neurological sleep disorder that causes patients to have an uncomfortable feeling and an urge to move their legs, especially at night. These symptoms may disappear "temporarily" if they get up and move around, but when they lie down to sleep, the uncomfortable feeling will reappear. Most patients develop restless legs syndrome after the age of 45. Of course, it can occur at any age, and women are twice as likely as men. If there is a family history of restless legs syndrome, the chance of developing restless legs syndrome is 3 to 6 times higher than that of the general population.
What is the cause of restless legs syndrome? The answer varies from person to person! While some people have no known cause, others may have health problems or medications, such as iron deficiency, diabetes or kidney failure, pregnancy (symptoms usually disappear after childbirth), and certain medications that may cause restless legs syndrome. What are the effects of restless legs syndrome? The most direct impact is "sleep". Restless legs syndrome can make it difficult for patients to fall asleep or reduce sleep quality. Some severe patients may even sleep less than 5 hours a day. Long-term lack of sleep can lead to poor energy during the day, irritability, and inability to concentrate, which can affect work or school performance. Studies have found that patients with restless legs syndrome are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety.
Can restless legs syndrome be cured? I would suggest that when you suspect that you may have restless legs syndrome, you should consult a sleep specialist as soon as possible and undergo a series of examinations. If left unchecked, the symptoms will get worse! At present, we can significantly improve restless legs syndrome through drug treatment and changing lifestyle habits, and can also improve the sleep quality of patients with restless legs syndrome.
