Anxiety can cause agitation and leg restlessness that resemble RLS. Depression and RLS symptoms also overlap. Certain types of antidepressant drugs, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can increase periodic limb movements during sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome is a common symptom of anxiety. We traced this symptom to the adverse effects of chronic stress. Specifically, apprehensive behavior stresses the body. A body that becomes chronically stressed can exhibit symptoms of stress.
In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown. However, RLS often runs in families and specific gene variants have been associated with the condition. Low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS. RLS also may be related to a dysfunction in a part of your brain that controls movement.
Benzodiazepines, which are often used as regular sleeping pills or anxiety medications, are often used for RLS. Common benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).
Taking a warm bath or using a heating pad or ice pack on the affected area can provide temporary relief. If you're a smoker, quitting smoking may help reduce the severity of your symptoms. And if you have diabetes or another health issue that can cause restless legs, treating that underlying condition may also help.
Making simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms of RLS : Try baths and massages. Soaking in a warm bath and massaging the legs can relax the muscles.
Conclusion. Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements can reduce the severity of symptoms of RLS/WED patients and improve their sleep quality.
Anxiety can cause agitation and leg restlessness that resemble RLS. Depression and RLS symptoms also overlap. Certain types of antidepressant drugs, such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can increase periodic limb movements during sleep.
Make sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, avoid naps, keep your bedroom cool and quiet, and create a relaxing bedtime routine. You should also include a winding down routine for 30 minutes before you go to sleep. Pro Tip: Aim for 7 hours of sleep a night!
Fast facts on restless legs syndrome:
The condition is often caused by a combination of mental and physical factors.
Other diseases with symptoms similar to RLS and which can be misdiagnosed. Insomnia: Unable to fall asleep at night. Sciatica: Discomfort or pain in the legs. Depression: To feel in a low mood with a loss of interest in everyday activities. Skin disease: Unpleasant sensations of the skin.
Here are some common restless legs triggers, plus tips to help you overcome them and get some sleep: Stress and anxiety. Rachel Salas, MD, an assistant professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, says that stress and anxiety are big restless legs triggers.
Restless legs syndrome is a lifelong condition that might get worse with age. But some people go into remission and don't have symptoms for days to years. Keep your doctor updated on how you're doing. If you start to feel worse, they might suggest lifestyle changes or medications.
A 2021 study suggest that vitamin D levels are generally lower in people with RLS. Researchers associated these lower levels with more severe RLS symptoms and depression, as well as lower sleep quality.
Dopamine agonists — The non-ergot dopamine agonists, pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine, are effective in the treatment of RLS at low doses and are all considered reasonable first-line therapies for chronic persistent RLS in patients with an increased risk for side effects from gabapentinoids [7].
There are no cures for primary restless legs syndrome, or RLS, although various treatments often can help relieve symptoms. Treatment for secondary restless legs syndrome (RLS caused by another medical problem) involves treating the underlying cause.
View source suggest magnesium was able to curb the symptoms of RLS, helping patients find restful sleep. Since bananas are high in potassium, they can be a natural and effective way to reduce the discomfort associated with RLS.
Various factors can cause anxiety to worsen. The triggers vary between individuals but include ongoing stress, a bereavement, financial problems, and key events, such as a job interview. Anxiety can lead to feelings of nervousness, apprehension, and worry.