sleep habits

Restless Leg Syndrome can Disturb Your Sleep

Restless leg syndrome plagued my father, with burning, aching and uncontrollable movement in his legs during a time that should have been restful and restoring.  Some of the other symptoms of this -syndrome include tingling, numbness,  itching, cramping, and that nerve-racking creepy feeling that you long to run away from.

What causes restless leg syndrome?  This question is not an easy one to answer.  There are many possible causes, internal and external.  The following are some of the possible influences:

·         Over 75% of our population is reported to have a deficiency in magnesium.  Little attention is given to this vital electrolyte.  Magnesium is the key to assimilation and use of calcium, and promotes rest and relaxation throughout the body.  Magnesium is typically consumed through foods, but can be absorbed transdermally as well.

·         Prescription and over –the-counter drugs can affect your sleep patterns and electrolyte balance.  Check with your physician and/or pharmacist for more information about the interactivity of your medications and possible side effects.

·         Food stimulants can aggravate the nervous system as well as digestion.  Caffeine is added to many energy drinks and soda’s.  Alcohol withdrawal can cause imbalances which affect restless leg syndrome.

·         Other natural nutritional substances may affect restless leg syndrome: low levels of tyrosine, an amino acid, can be caused by poor digestion or absorption; Iron deficiency, or ferretin, may be an issue;  Other deficiencies can include folate or chromium.

·         Nerve damage may be the cause.

·         Lyme disease can cause many symptoms, including restless leg syndrome.

·         Hormone changes and long periods of inactivity can play a role in restless leg syndrome. 

 

Regulations imposed by government agency compels us to advise that you discuss your health, treatment, and self care changes with your licensed health care provider.   The above information is not intended to prescribe or diagnose, but is provided for awareness and discussion.  Restless leg syndrome can disturb your sleep, but you need not “learn to live with it”.  

Our next article will cover some of the old “wives tales”.  Do these silly little things work?  Some believe they do!