Primary and Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome
Previously published in Examiner
Part 2 of the restless leg syndrome series
Most Montrealers complain they do not get enough sleep. Yet, sleep affects are physical and mental health. Not having enough sleep affects our mood, our stamina, our home-life and career, and our social relationships
Sleep is an important human function which is essential for good physical health and good mental health. Even though sleep is so important many Montrealers take sleeping for granted. They either sleep too much or more often than not, sleep less than is recommended for good health. Montrealers will catnap rather than sleep, burn the midnight oil studying, play on the computer, or just insist that they are too busy too sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome: Underlying Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Causes of restless leg syndrome
There are two forms of restless leg syndrome:
Idiopathic restless leg syndrome
When the exact causes of restless leg syndrome are not known it is called idiopathic restless leg syndrome. This form affects about 1 to 5 percent of the population and occurs mostly in seniors. It affects men and women equally. Though up to 15 percent of pregnant females can get it towards the end of the pregnancy. It will go away when it is associated with pregnancy.
Secondary restless leg syndrome
Secondary restless leg syndrome is associated with an underlying cause. Restless leg syndrome has been associated with iron deficiency, anemia, smoking, obesity, polyneuropathy due to hypothyroidism, diabetes, kidney disease, and vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Certain medications such as Zantac, and Tagamet which are H2-histamine blockers or Elavil, which is an antidepressant are also linked to restless leg syndrome. Also, common drugs such as caffeine or alcohol can induce restless leg syndrome.
Other Risk factors for restless leg syndrome
- Family link
- Restless leg syndrome sometimes runs in families
- Age
- Restless leg syndrome becomes more common with age.
Disorders that resemble restless leg syndrome
Certain disorders such as muscle diseases, nerve and circulation problems, and joint conditions can resemble restless leg syndrome. Therefore, it is very important to have it checked out by a doctor.
Help for sleep apnea in Montreal click here:
Mount Sinai Hospital Sleep Center
Sources
http://www.medicinenet.com/restless_leg_syndrome/article.htm
http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_section_details.asp?text_id=1111&channel_id=135&relation_id=12471
Published by Carol Roach
Carol Roach holds a masters in counselling psychology. She worked as a therapist at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal before becoming a professional writer.Carol is the author of the book Picking Up The Piece... View profile
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