Restlesss Leg Syndrome, also known as RLS, is a condition most commonly characterized by the urge to move your legs, mostly in the afternoon or evening, or at night in bed. The urge feels better for a few minutes after you move your legs and then the urge returns.
There are other symptoms as well. Sometimes, it is a creepy-crawly sensation. Others may feel burning in their feet. There are some patients that even feel like their feet are on fire in the middle of the evening or more commonly while they are in bed trying to fall asleep and cannot fall asleep. One can develop insomnia from this condition. Sometimes the patient may wake up in the middle of the night with this problem too.
There are certain chemical deficiencies in the brain that cause RLS. Iron deficiencies can cause it. Conditions that cause iron deficiency such as menstrual abnormalities; slow gastrointestinal bleeding that is not noticed by the patient, and conditions that result in iron malabsorption could also cause RLS. Restless Leg Syndrome may also be caused due to snoring and sleep apnea that disrupts their sleep. Fatigue, daytime sleepiness and non-refreshing sleep also may be the result of restless leg syndrome. Peripheral neuropathy due to diabetes may also be a cause.
It is important to see the sleep physician if you have any symptoms of RLS. Dr. RV Ghuge at the Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas is board certified in sleep and has extensive experience with diagnosing RLS or the cause of your RLS and its treatment. In some patients, sleep testing may help find other sleep disorders that may be contributing to your RLS. Please call our office at Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas, PA at 903-787-7533 or click HERE to begin the process of scheduling a personalized consultation with us at the Sleep Medicine Institute of Texas.
