How to Cope with Restless Legs Syndrome?

How to Manage Restless Legs Syndrome An irresistible urge to move the legs can affect many people. Often occurring during rest or sleep, this condition is defined as "Restless Legs Syndrome." A chronic and progressive movement disorder, this disease manifests itself with symptoms such as tingling and restlessness. Restless Legs Syndrome, caused not only by genetic transmission but also by conditions such as iron deficiency, pregnancy and end-stage renal failure, is observed approximately 2 times more frequently in women than in men. Lifestyle modifications undertaken by patients experiencing mild symptoms of the syndrome can help reduce discomfort. Assoc. Prof. Nilgül Yardımcı from the Neurology Department of Memorial Ankara Hospital provided information regarding restless legs syndrome.

Affects women and smokers more

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, manifests itself with an urge or need to move the legs and is a chronic and progressive movement disorder. RLS, which appears twice as frequently in women compared to men, is also more commonly observed in those who exercise less than 3 hours a month and in smokers.

70-80 percent of cases have no underlying disease

Restless Legs Syndrome has two types: primary (idiopathic) and secondary. Idiopathic restless legs syndrome, thought to have hereditary transmission and with no underlying disease, accounts for 70-80 percent of all cases. More than half of the first-degree relatives of these patients also experience the same disorder. In idiopathic RLS, the disease begins at an earlier age and patients are typically diagnosed before age 45. However, it progresses more slowly than the other type.

Iron metabolism disorder is the most important cause

In secondary restless legs syndrome, various clinical conditions can lead to this disease. Iron deficiency, pregnancy and end-stage renal failure are among these findings. The common point of secondary causes is iron metabolism disorder. Restless Legs Syndrome is observed more frequently in some rheumatological diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Sjögren Syndrome (SjS), while patients with RLS may also experience arm, leg and joint pain. Additionally, restless legs syndrome is more frequently encountered in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome.

Symptoms worsen during rest and before sleep

An irresistible urge to move the legs results in symptoms such as pain, burning and tingling that are not severely painful. Described by patients as a disturbing sensation, these symptoms often increase during rest and before sleep at night, causing patients to wake from sleep. The diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome is made based on symptoms, patient history and results of tests and physical examination.  

Symptoms are common in middle and advanced age

Restless Legs Syndrome, which can be confused with anxiety, depression or sleep disorders due to the similarity of symptoms, generally manifests in middle and advanced age. While symptoms are mild in the early stages, they intensify with advancing age.

Treatment varies depending on the type of restless legs syndrome

Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome is divided into two categories: pharmacological and non-pharmacological. While non-pharmacological treatment methods may work in patients with mild symptoms, patients with moderate to severe complaints usually require medical treatment. Additionally, in the type of RLS where the underlying cause is identified, treatments targeted at the cause also help alleviate symptoms.

Lifestyle changes help reduce symptoms

In patients with mild RLS symptoms, before drug treatment, implementing the lifestyle modifications listed below can help ease symptoms. 1. Engage in light to moderate physical activity such as stretching exercises before sleep 2. Take warm baths and showers 3. During rest, engage in activities that increase mental activity such as computer games and puzzles 4. Keep the bedroom cool and wear comfortable pajamas 5. Establish a regular sleep pattern by sleeping and waking at the same time and avoiding daytime naps 6. Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, antihistamines, antiemetics with antidopaminergic activity, antipsychotics and antidepressants 7. Schedule sedentary activities such as long-distance air travel or watching movies in the morning hours, while scheduling symptom-reducing activities such as household chores or exercise in the late afternoon.