Restless leg syndrome can start at any age and tends to worsen as you get older. While it doesn’t seriously affect your health, it’s uncomfortable and can disrupt your sleep. If you think you may be affected by this condition, here is some more information on the symptoms and what you can do about it.

A Guide to Restless Leg Syndrome

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

While there is currently no known cause for restless leg syndrome, some researchers link it to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine. However, there is also evidence of several other influencing factors, including hormone changes in pregnancy, iron deficiency, nerve damage, smoking, and whether you drink alcohol or caffeine. It can also be hereditary.

What Are the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome? 

Symptoms vary from person to person, but people usually complain of feeling aching, itching, throbbing, and pulling in their legs. Often, people can’t even describe the feeling other than they feel like they have to move their leg constantly in order to feel comfort or alleviate their symptoms. In nearly all cases, people tend to experience these symptoms in the evening or during the night when they’re trying to fall asleep.

How Is This Condition Treated?

The only treatment that provides immediate relief is to move your legs, but it’s often temporary. You can, however, address other areas that may make you more prone to the sensation. Changing your lifestyle to cut back on caffeine and alcohol or begin taking an iron supplement can often produce positive results. If you find the symptoms are becoming unbearable, schedule an appointment with a medical professional, as they will prescribe medication to help relieve the muscular discomfort.

If you think you have restless leg syndrome, the team at Glacier Headache & Sleep Medicine in Kalispell, MT, will help you manage your symptoms and provide a personalized treatment plan. They’ve helped patients manage sleep disorders since 1995. Having performed over 10,000 sleep studies, you’re in excellent hands with the highly experienced, board-certified team of physicians. To schedule an appointment for a sleep study or to speak to someone to discuss a sleep disorder, call (406) 752-1729. Visit their website to browse their services.