From time to time, everyone experiences trouble sleeping. Whether you’re sick, stressed or cannot get comfortable in bed, we have all felt the effects of inadequate sleep. Yet, if you continually have trouble falling and staying asleep due to extreme discomfort, you could have a more serious condition than occasional insomnia: Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a disorder that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your lower extremities. About one in 10 people are affected by RLS, according to the National Sleep Foundation. If you suffer from this neurological sensorimotor disorder, you feel an uncomfortable and almost constant need to move your legs while at rest. Symptoms can be experienced at any age; about two percent of RLS cases involve children.
What Are the Symptoms?
Along with the overwhelming need to move your lower half, the RLS Foundation lists the following symptoms as telltale symptoms of the disorder:
- The urge worsens when you are sitting, laying down or otherwise inactive.
- The discomfort is eased by continuous movement.
- Your symptoms are worse at night, especially during the hours of sleep.
While everyone experiences different feelings, itching, burning, tingling and crawling are common words used to describe the sensations associated with this RLS. When your symptoms cannot be categorized as leg cramps, arthritis or another common disorder, you will likely be diagnosed with RLS.
RLS and Vein Disease
Although there is no definitive cause of RLS, a connection has been made between it and vein disease. Many vein specialists believe RLS to be a symptom of venous insufficiency. After all, damaged vein valves can lead to achy, heavy-feeling legs. When varicose veins are properly treated, some patients report lessened signs of RLS. However, you should be evaluated by a doctor to confirm you are suffering from both venous insufficiency and RLS.
Contact the Vein Centers of Connecticut to learn more about the connection between vein disorders and Restless Legs Syndrome.