I get lot of body pain especially legs when I sleep. I am experiencing it from so many years. What is the reason and how to overcome this.
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Hi there, Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by uncomfortable leg sensations that can interfere with resting or falling asleep. Experts believe that low levels of iron in the brain may be responsible for RLS. An imbalance of dopamine is also believed to be involved. About 60% of people with restless legs have a family member with the condition, indicating a strong genetic component. Anyone can have restless legs syndrome, but it?s more common in older adults and women. Mild symptoms of RLS may start in early adulthood and then increase with age. After age 50, RLS symptoms often increase in severity and significantly disrupt sleep. Restless legs syndrome is also common during pregnancy (approximately 40% of pregnant women experience it). Restless legs syndrome: It's real Studies estimate that 1 out of 10 people suffer from restless legs, yet it?s not always easy to find help and support. Many people with RLS never get proper treatment. Part of the problem is that it?s hard to explain and often dismissed as being ?nervous.? Those who haven?t experienced the distressing symptoms may not understand how severely they can impact the quality of your life. Even doctors may not take restless legs seriously, recognize the symptoms, or realize it?s a real medical condition. The good news is that recent research has increased our understanding of restless legs syndrome, leading to more effective treatments. At the same time, RLS is becoming more widely recognized. If you or your partner suffers from restless legs, there?s never been a better time to find relief. There?s a lot you can do to take care of restless legs syndrome yourself. In fact, mild RLS can often be treated with lifestyle changes alone. Avoiding known restless legs triggers is a smart first step. Manage stress. RLS symptoms get worse when you?re anxious and overwhelmed. Anything you can do to keep stress in check will help, including relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. Cut back or eliminate alcohol. Alcohol is known to worsen the symptoms of restless legs, so be cautious about drinking in the evening. Alcohol also disrupts sleep, so you?re more likely to wake up in the middle of the night and be bothered by RLS symptoms. Don?t overdo it. Strenuous exercise can exacerbate the symptoms of RLS, especially close to bedtime, so be smart about your exercise routine. It?s also wise to avoid sudden changes in your activity level. Stop smoking. Nicotine is a stimulant that impairs blood flow to muscles and can make restless legs worse, so it?s best to avoid cigarettes, vaporizers, and e-cigarettes. Experiment with caffeine. For some people with RLS, caffeine is a trigger. However recent research shows that it may actually be beneficial for others. Makes the symptoms of restless legs syndrome worse. To see which camp you fall into, try cutting out coffee, tea, and soft drinks and monitor your symptoms. A number of vitamin and mineral deficiencies are linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS). Iron. Iron deficiency (anemia) is a well-known cause of RLS, so ask your doctor to test you for anemia. However, supplementing with iron can also improve RLS symptoms in those who aren?t anemic. Magnesium. Magnesium can improve sleep and some studies have shown it to be beneficial for restless legs. Try experimenting with a magnesium supplement (250 to 500 mg) at bedtime to see if your symptoms improve. Vitamin D. Recent studies show that RLS symptoms are more frequent and more severe in people with vitamin D deficiency. Your doctor can easily test your vitamin D levels or you can simply make it point to get out more in the sun. Folate (folic acid). Folate deficiency has been linked to RLS, which may explain why restless legs are so common in pregnant women (folate plays a key role in healthy fetal development). When folic acid is low, B12 is often low as well, so you may want to try supplementing with a B-complex vitamin. I hope this helps. I wish you a very quick and speedy recovery. Sincerely, Â
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