Restless Leg Syndrome – Causes

Find Out What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome – and How To Cure It

 

restless leg syndrome lack of sleep

Restless Leg Syndrome has probably been around for ages, but more people are aware of it now than ever before, perhaps because of advertisements.

My father had RLS and it was very uncomfortable for him – and horrible also for my mum (a bed partner with RLS is not very pleasant). I don’t think he ever sought treatment for it; RLS just wasn’t well-known in those days.

Let’s look at the symptoms, causes and treatments for restless leg syndrome.

What Happens When You Have Restless Leg Syndrome?

Simply put, you feel a burning, itching or crawling sensation in your leg or legs. You feel an almost uncontrollable need to twitch and move.

Primary and Secondary RLS

Secondary RLS means that your restless legs are the result of another problem in your body.

Primary RLS means there’s nothing else that’s obviously causing the problem.

 

What Causes RLS?

Some studies have shown that RLS sufferers have a low level of dopamine in their brains. Among other uses, dopamine helps us to move in what appears to be a normal way.

There are medications that increase dopamine levels, but it’s always better to achieve this naturally. For example, exercise more, get more sleep, eat food with probiotics (e.g. yogurt), and protein.

Other studies show that many sufferers are deficient in iron.  Interestingly, this ties in with dopamine – because dopamine is made from iron carried to nerve cells in the brain.

You could be deficient in iron due to anemia, peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves in the leg and arms), being pregnant, if you have diabetes or kidney disease, or Parkinson’s disease.  If you have any of these, then treating them may also offer relief from restless leg syndrome.

A Link With ADD and ADHD?

Some studies suggest a link between RLS and ADD or ADHD. Some of the symptoms are the same – restlessness, distractibility and impulsiveness.

This could be caused by a lack of sleep. It’s a vicious circle – you need sleep to reduce the RLS symptoms, but you can’t sleep because of your RLS.

Other Causes of RLS

It might be that the cause of your RLS is something as simple as a nutritional deficiency.

For instance, magnesium deficiency, lack of vitamin B-12, Lyme disease, and arthritis may all cause restless leg syndrome.

berries - magnesium for restless leg syndrome It’ probably worthwhile to have some tests done for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.  Once you know what you need to increase, then search the internet for information on foods that will help you to consume enough.

Again, it’s always better to get nutrition from food, rather than supplements which are often made from chemical substitutes, and may not be able to be absorbed by your body.

Lifestyle Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

There are also lifestyle choices that can cause RLS. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking and junk food can all contribute to the disorder.

Conclusion

It’s possible that certain deficiencies and/or lifestyle habits are causing restless leg syndrome. It’s very uncomfortable. So get checked to see if you have enough magnesium, iron and B12. If you are low in any of these, eat foods rich in them (better than chemical supplements). You may also be low in dopamine. And too much caffeine, alcohol, junk food / convenience food and smoking can all contribute to RLS.

Since RLS is known to be a primary condition as well as a secondary condition, your doctor will be better prepared to treat you when he knows your full history and can make the decision as to how it is affecting you.

Please Share this post with your friends and family –  it’s easy – sharing buttons below and right! 

Do you suffer from RLS? Let me know in the comments below.

Warm regards,

signature Clare

 

 

Related:


Tags

cure restless leg syndrome, reduce restless leg syndrome, restless leg syndrome, restless leg syndrome symptoms, RLS, RLS causes, symptoms of restless leg syndrome, what causes restless leg syndrome, What causes RLS?


{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
Join 5 De-Stress Yoga Challenge happy woman
>