Restless Legs Problem

Posted by Ann Brown | May 29th, 2010 in Legs Problem, Restless Legs Syndrome | No Comments »

restless legs syndromeRestless Legs Syndrome is one of the most common medical causes of insomnia. Is the onset of leg discomfort during sleep situations that temporarily relieved by movement.

Do not miss this article on restless legs syndrome, a disease suffered by a large number of people

Known for over 300 years by physicians, Restless Legs Syndrome is, however, a real unknown for people who suffer. This is a common disease. Studies show that between 5 and 10% of the adult population has the disorder in Western countries. This figure is even higher in people over 65 years, hovering between 15 and 20%. Despite being so common and easily treatable, most of those affected never fail to be diagnosed and rarely receive adequate treatment.

The disease begins to be felt sporadically during childhood, but after 40 years when it becomes more continuous and discomfort are stronger. Is the onset of discomfort in the lower legs and tingling, pricking, pain, restlessness or need to move and its main feature an appearance at rest, relieved with movement. Subsequent during the afternoon and early evening hours, so that those affected often notice the discomfort Framework is going to bed. Therefore, people with Restless Legs Syndrome often suffer from insomnia and are reduced by 50% the ability to cover their daily sleep.

Problems and Causes

As a result of reduced hours of sleep, who have seen their quality of life decreases. The lack of sleep changes the character, creates emotional problems, increased aggressiveness, creates problems when driving a car or even having to make the long trip sitting in an airplane, can become a real drama. People suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome, to ignore what actually happens, come to think they have a psychiatric illness. Not associated discomfort in the legs suffering with insomnia, unaware of the disease and therefore unable to explain to doctors what actually happens.
Nevertheless, over recent decades there has been a breakthrough in the understanding of the causes and treatment of this disease. Thus, it appears that a decrease in dopamine, the activity of receptors for that substance in the brain are the main causes of the syndrome. Also a deficit in the use, transport and storage of iron in the brain can cause the disease to people. In fact, 50% of people suffer from iron deficiency. It is also common in people with kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis, pregnancy and arthritis. Likewise, many of those affected, approximately 50%, have first-degree relative with the same problem.


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