Legs moving in sleep? It could be restless leg syndrome.

If you have a habit of moving your legs repeatedly during sleep, then do not take it lightly. These can be symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Know what are its causes and what serious consequences can occur if not treated on time?

Restless Leg Syndrome: Do you or any member of your family move your legs repeatedly while sleeping at night? Or do you feel that there is a strange tickling, pulling or restlessness in the legs, which repeatedly breaks your sleep? If this is the case, then it may not be just normal fatigue but Restless Leg Syndrome i.e. RLS.

 

Dr Daljeet Singh, Unit Head, Department of Neurology, Max Saket, explains that restless leg syndrome is a neurological disorder in which a person has the urge to move his legs repeatedly, especially when he is resting or trying to sleep. In this condition, there is a strange experience of itching, burning, pricking or tingling in the legs, due to which the person has to move the legs repeatedly. This problem affects the quality of sleep and can cause fatigue throughout the day.

 

 

What are the symptoms of RLS?

– Restlessness in the legs while sleeping or resting

-Feeling the need to constantly move the legs

– Tingling, tickling or burning in the legs

– Waking up frequently at night

– Fatigue and irritability during the day due to lack of sleep

This problem is not limited to the legs, sometimes it can be felt in the hands as well. This is also a reason why moving legs during sleep can be a common but serious sign.

Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome

1- Iron Deficiency- The most common cause of RLS is iron deficiency in the body. Iron deficiency affects the dopamine level in the brain, which disrupts neurological activities.

2- Diabetes or kidney related - RLS can also occur due to damage to nerves due to diabetes or injury. This is called peripheral neuropathy, which causes burning, tingling and discomfort in the legs.

3- Parkinson's Disease- This is a disease of the central nervous system, which often affects the patient's physical activities. In this disease, there is usually tremor in the body.

4. Pregnancy (especially in the last months) – This is due to hormonal changes and deficiency of iron or folic acid.

5- Lack of sleep or irregular routine – Lack of sleep or frequent awakenings during sleep can trigger RLS. RLS is common with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea.

6- RLS is triggered due to genetic reasons (those who have this problem in their family) as well as the side effects of some medicines like antidepressants, anti-nausea medicines.

Why is it important to pay attention to this?

If the problem of RLS is ignored, it can lead to chronic insomnia i.e. sleeplessness for a long time. Lack of sleep continuously has a bad effect on the body and mind. This can cause problems like fatigue, lack of attention, irritability and depression.

What are the treatment and relief measures?

If there is iron deficiency, get it checked by a doctor and take supplements

– Stay away from caffeine, alcohol and smoking

– Do light stretching or foot massage before sleeping

– Keep a regular sleep schedule and pattern

Get treatment at the right time

If you or someone you love has a habit of moving your legs repeatedly during sleep, do not take it lightly. These can be symptoms of restless leg syndrome, which can affect both your sleep and health. Timely treatment and changes in routine can provide relief from this problem.