Statistically, over 5 million people in the U.S suffer from some form of restless legs syndrome, also known as RLS.
This disorder is very common in USA, given the fact that over 1 million children of school have it and 1 in 10 adults suffer from its symptoms.
Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- Itching
- Uncomfortable feeling in the legs
- Desire for shaking the legs
- Pain in the foot
When it comes to its symptoms, it is also important to mention that they are more frequent at night. Even though this disorder is not very serious, it reduces one`s quality of life and prevents him from performing certain activities.
Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
There are two different forms of this syndrome: primary and secondary. Consequently, their causes are different.
For instance, primary restless leg syndrome is hereditary syndrome and the reason lies behind the part of the brain which is responsible for monitoring. The secondary form of this syndrome may be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as impaired kidney function, damaged peripheral nerves, degenerative diseases of the spine, anemia, and pregnancy.
Sometimes, RLS can be a side –effect of some medications and bad habits, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, nicotine, coffee, and alcohol. The diagnosis is usually made on basis of a clinical picture and the lab results are based on hormonal status, kidney samples and complete blood count. In most cases, the patient is prescribed tranquilizers or analgesics or advised to take more vitamins, minerals, and exercise, depending on the diagnosis. Sometimes, the root cause can be an iron deficiency, so those people are recommended to consume more red meat, beets, and prunes in order to increase the levels of iron in their body.
How to Alleviate the Symptoms?
Sometimes, the symptoms can be alleviated by getting up and walking around for a while. According to many experts, stretching before bedtime is also very helpful. You need to sit on the floor with the legs stretched out. Then, bend the torso to the feet so that you are able to reach the hands. Stay in this position a couple of minutes.
A good way to get a relief from this issue is to enjoy a warm bath before sleeping. During the day, try to stay active, exercise, or at least walk on a fresh air. Moreover, you can also practice stretching and exercises which involve relaxation and deep breathing, such as yoga. Ultimately, make sure you avoid caffeinated drinks like black tea and coffee, as they negatively affect the sleep quality.
Aromatherapy
Combine 5 drops of marjoram and basil with 3 drops of almond oil to make a mixture which will be used for massage. It is recommended to massage your feet with this mixture every night before bedtime.
Tea Mixture
Ingredients:
- Half a liter boiled water
- 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers
- 1 tablespoon of crushed rosehip flowers
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- Little amount of lemon juice
Instructions:
First, pour the boiled water over the chamomile and rosehip flowers. Cover the mug and allow it to sit for a while. Strain the liquid afterwards and add the honey and lemon juice.
Consume the tea a couple of times daily and before going to bed.
Source : www.healthylifecentar.com
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