Enact you battle to descend asleep as a result of your legs really feel twitchy or uncomfortable? You’re not alone. In response to a latest survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medication (AASM), 13% of People report they’ve been recognized with stressed legs syndrome (RLS). With Stressed Legs Syndrome Consciousness Day on Sept. 23, it’s an amazing time to grasp how RLS impacts sleep and well being.
What’s stressed legs syndrome?
RLS is a neurological dysfunction that causes an irresistible urge to shuffle the legs, usually paired with uncomfortable sensations like twitching, aching or a crawling feeling. These signs often commence within the night or while you’re making an attempt to calm down in mattress, however they enhance with motion like strolling, stretching and even massaging the legs.
Nevertheless, many individuals don’t view these signs as critical issues, in order that they wait years earlier than searching for remedy for RLS.
How does RLS influence sleep?
Sleep is one in every of the pillars of honorable well being, together with vitamin and train. But when you might have RLS, getting sufficient high quality sleep could be a problem. The discomfort makes it laborious to descend asleep and keep asleep.
Once you lose sleep, it impacts your day-to-day life. You may really feel extra irritable, battle to pay attention and expertise fatigue, all of which might decrease your productiveness. Over time, continual sleep loss from RLS can influence your high quality of life.
Psychological well being results of RLS
The influence of RLS goes past sleep. The Affected person ODYSSEY II Survey performed by the RLS Basis discovered that folks with RLS expertise despair and nervousness at four occasions the fee of the overall U.S. inhabitants.
This connection between RLS and psychological well being makes it much more necessary to hunt remedy early.
Don’t delay prognosis and remedy
So, what are you able to conclude should you contemplate you might have RLS? Step one is speaking to your well being care skilled. Early prognosis and remedy are key to enhancing each sleep and general well being.
Though the causes of RLS can differ from individual to individual, signs could typically be worsened by different medical conditions or medicines. Fortuitously for most individuals, RLS is manageable with life-style changes, units, nutritional vitamins or medicine.
When you’re experiencing signs, your well being care skilled could refer you to a sleep specialist at an AASM-accredited sleep heart for additional analysis.
Unfold the phrase on RLS Consciousness Day
On Sept. 23, abet unfold consciousness about RLS. By elevating consciousness, you’ll be able to abet others perceive their signs, search remedy and secure restorative sleep. Obtain an “RLS Conscious” poster from the RLS Basis.
