Rest the Restless Legs
Have you ever had an uncontrollable urge to move your legs just as you were about to fall asleep?
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Have you ever had an uncontrollable urge to move your legs just as you were about to fall asleep? Have you ever experienced a strange or intense sensation in your legs after a long period of inactivity in which the only thing you can do to temporarily help the problem is move your legs? Have you ever had difficulty falling asleep or had no sleep on account of fidgety legs? If you said yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and you are not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation, RLS affects approximately 10 % of adults in North America and Europe. RLS is one of the most common neurological disorders in Western countries and is largely under diagnosed.
RLS is commonly considered a sleep disorder because its symptoms mostly occur in the evening and during the nights. Depending on the severity, it may result in insomnia, involuntary limb jerking or flailing limbs (Periodic Limb Movement Disorder) resulting in poor sleep, fatigue and daytime tiredness. In fact, a recent study proved that impairment by fatigue and daytime sleepiness does exist in patients with RLS. The fatigue and sleepiness experienced in the daytime decreased their quality of life.
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How Do You Get RLS?
There is no known explanation as to how RLS develops in an individual.
There is debate about a genetic predisposition to RLS as certain studies have shown an increase in incidences among certain families. The National Sleep Foundation has identified a cultural predisposition to RLS reporting that there are fewer cases of RLS in people from Singapore, India and Japan. Another possible explanation for the development of RLS includes reactions to certain medications, particularly the medications that affect levels of dopamine (a neurotransmitter in the brain). RLS can worsen or improve during pregnancy and it can be exacerbated by stressful conditions.
Diagnosing RLS
In order to diagnose RLS, doctors usually examine patient symptoms and conduct a medical history to rule out other possible medical reasons for the condition. Often times, an overnight sleep test is necessary to determine if the condition is caused by other sleep disorders.
A Naturopathic Approach
An examination of the following natural conditions offers alternative explanations for RSL.
Dehydration
Oxygen and water are the two most important nutrients for life. More than 2/3 of the human body is made up of water and it is essential for normal physiological function. If the body is not well-hydrated, an imbalance between water, nutrient and mineral levels can occur. This results in symptoms of dehydration such as thirst, restless or irritable behavior, cramping in the arms and legs, fatigue, headaches and weakness. Some symptoms of dehydration overlap or mimic symptoms of RLS. Make sure to drink at least six to eight eight-ounce glasses of fresh water daily even if you don¡¯t feel thirsty.
Mineral Deficiencies
Minerals are necessary for many biochemical reactions within the body. There is some evidence that mineral deficiencies, specifically iron and magnesium deficiencies, may be associated with RLS. In a preliminary trial, people with RLS who experienced insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep efficiency after magnesium supplementation. Today, the typical Western diet often provides us with less than adequate amounts of several essential vitamins and minerals. In fact, recent nutrition surveys in the U.S. have found that large population groups consume inadequate amounts of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Iron deficiency is more common among vegetarians, female athletes, menstruating women and pregnant women. Conversely, the use of even moderate amounts of some minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium can impair the body's ability to use other minerals or can lead to toxicity. Consult your health care provider before taking mineral supplements as there are also risk factors involved for taking too many supplements.
What Can you Do?
Based on these potential explanations for restless leg, the first step to take is to drink plenty of water throughout the day to hydrate the body. Add a slice of lemon to the water for a refreshing taste. Take a good quality multivitamin and mineral product daily such as TrueBASICS. Alternatively, single mineral supplementation is also an option. Be sure to consult your Naturopathic Doctor or other health care practitioner before taking individual minerals such as magnesium or iron as it may be necessary to check blood levels before taking supplements.
Other natural treatments for RLS include walking, stretching, taking salt baths, acupuncture, massage, relaxation and meditation. Take care of your body through proper nutrition, addressing underlying health problems and getting a good night¡¯s sleep so that you can finally rest those restless legs.
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