Can't sleep because you need to move your legs? Then it is possible that you may be suffering from restless leg syndrome.
Restless leg syndrome is a sleep disorder in which people feel an intense need to move the legs that is hard to resist, but they also feel tingling or pain in their legs at the same time. This sensation is usually caused by lying down in bed or by sitting for too long, like when you are travelling in a car or bus for several hours or when you are reading in your bed for a long time. This sleep disorder usually manifests in the evening, which may cause people some problems to fall asleep, so what they usually do is to walk around and shake their legs so they can find relief for this discomfort.
The causes of restless leg syndrome are not clear, but it looks like stress may make this condition worse. Some studies have shown that RLS can be a genetic syndrome in some cases, so children may inherit from their parents. Other causes that can contribute to the manifestation of RLS are some medical problems or even certain medications. There is not a test a doctor can use to diagnose RLS so what they do is diagnose it by listening their patients describing their symptoms like when they feel the desire to move their legs accompanied by unpleasant sensations like tingling or pain, or when these uncomfortable sensations begin or became worse when they are not moving (resting, sitting watching TV or travelling), also they may feel some relief for restless leg syndrome when walk or exercise the affected muscles, and finally when this problem is worse or happens only in the evening or at night.
Treating the restless leg syndrome
There can be several restless leg syndrome treatments, depending on the symptoms. When it is a temporary disorder it resolves when other conditions are treated. But, when RLS is genetic-based or is caused by medical disorders, it is necessary to follow a treatment. Iron deficiency is a reversible cause of RLS so doctors recommend iron tablets or iron therapy. When RLS symptoms manifest often or in a severe way, doctors prescribe restless leg syndrome medications.
To control or decrease RLS symptoms doctors recommend reducing stress and avoiding alcohol and tobacco products. Also placing the calves and legs in a proper and comfortable position is of great help to reduce the pain and discomfort, so they strongly advice to use a leg pillow like the Leg Wedge Pillow.
This is an orthopedic pillow that has been designed to fit the natural curves of a person's body, providing the necessary comfort. It can be used in a close position between the legs, or in an open position as an ankle support which is very useful when treating restless leg syndrome because it elevates, cradles and relaxes the legs and feet, relieving the user from any pain or discomfort related to this sleep disorder.