What is restless legs syndrome?
The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as "restless legs" in Germany, ensures that you have a constant urge to move your legs and feet. Especially at night or generally at rest, which is why the syndrome is also counted among the sleep disorders. In some cases, the arms are also affected.
RLS is most noticeable by tingling or pulling, which disrupts sleep and therefore often leads to fatigue and tiredness in the long run. There are several possible causes for restless legs. The syndrome is often related to a disorder in dopamine metabolism: The messenger substance dopamine plays a major role in the targeted control of movements.
Who is affected by restless legs syndrome?
RLS occurs relatively frequently: About ten out of 100 people suffer from restless legs syndrome, whereby women are affected more often than men. But children can also get sick.
Symptoms: how does restless legs syndrome manifest itself?
The following symptoms indicate RLS:
- Tingling, pulling, pain, feeling of warmth, tension in legs and feet, resulting in constant urge to move, especially at night.
- Relief if you actually move your legs, for example by running, squatting, tensing your muscles. As soon as you rest again, the symptoms appear again.
- In some cases, twitching in the legs or arms while the person is asleep. This allows him to wake up for a short time, but he doesn't notice anything about it. Only later does the resulting lack of sleep become apparent through exhaustion, persistent tiredness, concentration disorders, performance disorders and forgetfulness.
If restless legs syndrome is not treated, Symptoms become more severe over time and could also occur more frequently later during periods of rest during the day. This is noticeable when driving a car or in the cinema, for example, and can have a significant impact on everyday life. At worst, RLS can also lead to depression or, if the pain persists, chronic pain syndrome.
What are the causes of restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs can have different triggers, but they have not yet been fully resolved. The causes include:
- Iron deficiency
- Nerve damage
- Advanced kidney weakness
- pregnancy
- Certain medications, e.g. B. against nausea or antidepressants
- Genetic factors
- Thyroid disease
- Anemia (often caused by iron deficiency)
Does RLS arise from pregnancy, the phenomenon often disappears on its own after birth.
The doctor can often determine whether the restless legs syndrome is present through a simple examination and a blood test. In some cases, a stay in the sleep laboratory can provide information.
Treatment: what helps against restless legs?
The restless legs syndrome is treated depending on the cause. If it can be attributed to an iron deficiency, you can get a grip on it with iron tablets. If it is not clear which trigger RLS has, various medications can be used.
For example, if a dopamine metabolism disorder is suspected, so-called dopamine anatagonists can be used in the treatment, which virtually replace the dopamine in the brain. Scientific studies show that these drugs can work against the symptoms of the RLS. However, side effects such as nausea or severe sleep disorders can occur through these remedies. And: You can even aggravate the symptoms of RLS during treatment (“augmentation”).
Patients should therefore be in regular contact with their doctor while taking it. But that doesn't always help either: Approximately one in five people stops treatment with the medication, because they either do not have the desired effect or the side effects are too severe.
Tips for dealing with the RLS disease
There are a few basic tips that can make life with RLS easier. Not every tip helps everyone equally well, but it's worth trying out different methods. The following tips can help with restless legs:
- Note the iron supply: It is always better to replenish your iron supply with foods rich in iron than with appropriate supplements. Iron-containing foods include pork liver, wheat bran and pumpkin seeds. A blood test can show whether there is an iron deficiency.
- Set for night rest: So that the body can shut down and adjust to the night, we should give it time to relax. This can be done, for example, with a warm bath or relaxation techniques such as autogenic training, progressive muscle relaxation or hatha yoga.
- Do not take an afternoon nap: Those who sleep poorly because of their complaints should avoid an afternoon nap, as this can make sleep problems worse.
- Waiver of luxury goods: Luxury foods such as alcohol and cigarettes can exacerbate sleep disorders and stimulate the body. The same applies to caffeinated drinks – it is better to avoid them in the evening.
- Reduce stress: Stress and inner restlessness can exacerbate the symptoms of RLS. It is therefore important to incorporate recovery times into everyday life, in which you only do what you really want and where you can relax.
- Adhere to bedtime: Anyone who goes to bed at the same time supports their waking and sleeping rhythm. That also helps with RLS.
- Pamper your legs: Alternating showers, light massages, warm calf wraps as well as stretching and light sports exercises also reduce the symptoms.
- Light dinner: The stomach should not be heavily stressed before going to bed. Instead of rich meals, only light snacks should be taken in the evening.
Reading tips: How to identify an iron deficiency can be found here. We also present more iron-containing foods and reveal the best sleep tips.
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