restless leg syndrome

I used to think those commercials of people twitching about in bed were a crock until I had dinner with my mommy gal pals the other night. Two of them have been suffering terribly from restless leg syndrome (RLS) during their pregnancies. I know sometimes mothers-to-be have fretful sleeping patterns as their bellies start to pop and cause positioning discomfort, but constant movement of the legs was news to me.

RLS can be a product of stress, iron deficiency, and pregnancy just to name a few. Unfortunately, no cure is available to better the situation but there are things a mother in waiting, or anyone for that matter, can do to better her snoozing situation. To see what they are, read more

Let me get this straight. According to this commercial for Mirapex, you'll trade in a few nights of sleeplessness cuz your legs are all "restless" for the following side effects: The possibility you might fall asleep while driving, get dizzy when you stand up, feel nauseous, and (my fave) have an increased need to gamble, have sex and indulge in other such "urges." Ummm, aren't these side effects worse than the initial problem? At least other such pharmaceutical ads have the sense to speed this shite up! (Thanks, Flippy!)

There are so many things that can keep me up at night, from worrying about mundane details to my husband's snoring. I just learned of a recently named syndrome that keeps an estimated 12 million Americans up at night. While it sounds almost completely fabricated, it is real and it is known as Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).

It is more than the little leg fidget folks get when bored during the slow part of a movie. People with RLS describe the sensations as a "tugging" or "creepy crawly" feeling in the leg. It is clinically defined as a neurologic movement disorder characterized by unusual, uncomfortable sensations deep within the calves and/or thighs, resulting in an irresistible urge to move the legs in attempts to alleviate the discomfort. Because the majority of people with RLS experience symptoms at night that prevent them from sleeping the syndrome has been classified as a sleep disorder, although extended inactivity, such as long periods of sitting, can also trigger the symptoms.

The cause of the condition remains a mystery, but the handful of scientists researching the syndrome have differing theories. One thinks there may be a genetic component, while another believes low levels of iron in the brain are a contributing factor. Treatment options vary as well. Sedatives are an option, as is acupuncture. A healthy lifestyle can ameliorate the symptoms - exercise, not smoking, consuming only moderate forms of alcohol.

If you think you have RLS, you should definitely visit the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation. You are sure to find some answers to the many question you might be having.