Fact or Fiction: Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis Ekbom Disease, is a common syndrome affecting the nervous system, causing an overwhelming urge to move the legs. The sufferer may experience involuntary jerking of their legs or arms, which is known as PLMS (periodic limb movements in sleep).

It can also cause uncomfortable sensations in the feet, calves and thighs such as creeping or crawling. Symptoms are often worse at night, which can lead to a disrupted sleep pattern. Some report mild symptoms, while others are severe and life-disrupting.

Living with restless leg syndrome can lead to depression, chronic tiredness and an increased mortality rate. However, there are a few myths circulating that need to be debunked.

Can Restless Legs Cause Seizures?

According to expert research, restless leg syndrome is more common in people with epilepsy than the average person. The study suggests that it could be an early warning sign for seizures.

Do Restless Legs Connect with ADHD?

ADHD and restless legs syndrome may have a connection. In the United States, estimates show that up to 10% of adults live with restless leg syndrome. And those with ADHD, are more likely to experience RLS. It is thought that iron deficiency, inflammation and reduced sleep quality are major contributing factors.

How Does Iron Relate to Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome can result from a complication linked to another condition, or it could be caused by a different health-related factor. An iron deficiency can trigger a fall in dopamine, which in turn can trigger restless leg syndrome.

Is Restless Leg Syndrome Associated with or Caused by Anxiety?

Restless leg syndrome is often associated with an anxiety disorder. The syndrome is also thought to be caused by heightened levels of anxiety and stress, due to the fight or flight response.

When a person is constantly anxious, stress hormones are released into the bloodstream, causing the body to stay in a state of hyper stimulation. A body that is constantly hyper stimulated, may show symptoms such as restless legs and nervous energy.

Why is Restless Leg Syndrome More Common in Women?

Restless leg syndrome is nearly twice as common in women than in men. While the exact cause is unknown, it’s thought that the abundance of estrogen and low iron levels during pregnancy are contributing factors. Another reason is that restless leg syndrome is more prevalent in depression and anxiety sufferers, both of which are more common in females.

Is Restless Leg Syndrome Genetic?

Restless leg syndrome often runs in families, with 40 to 90 percent of sufferer’s reporting to have at least one first degree relative with the same condition. While genetics do play a role, studies have shown that 95% of RLS conditions are linked to inflammation. This means, a change of diet and lifestyle, could turn these inflammatory switches off, reducing or eliminating RLS symptoms altogether.

Effective treatment for restless leg syndrome focuses on relieving symptoms, improving the quality of sleep and correcting any habits or underlying conditions that trigger symptoms.

Check out the BetterSleep app for help getting a restful night’s sleep.