Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological sensorimotor disease, which is frequently associated with neuropsychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety and depression. 1 , 2 , 3 Dopamine agonists (DA) are often used to alleviate the unpleasant motor symptoms.
RLS is not a psychological or psychiatric disorder but is due to an abnormality of the control of sensation of movements in specific areas of the brain. It is thought that it is the result of a lack of dopamine in these parts of the brain.
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.
Restless legs and its symptoms are often symptoms of anxiety disorder, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and others.
Fast facts on restless legs syndrome:
The condition is often caused by a combination of mental and physical factors.
Conclusion. Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements can reduce the severity of symptoms of RLS/WED patients and improve their sleep quality.
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.
Studies suggest that vitamins C, D, and E may help people experiencing restless legs syndrome (RLS).
Considering these dopaminergic effects of vitamin D, our findings support the hypothesis that decreased vitamin D levels may lead to RLS symptoms.
Oral supplements
Meanwhile, others find the glycinate form offers the fewest side effects. The recommended daily amount of elemental magnesium in a supplement form is between 200 to 400 mg daily for adults. Taking it at bedtime should benefit sleep.
No specific food causes restless legs syndrome, but some people can be triggered by caffeine. A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fat is important for overall health and disease prevention.
The condition is more common with increasing age and more common in women than in men. RLS usually isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem. However, it sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as: Peripheral neuropathy.
If you have RLS, you should also see a doctor if you are: Losing sleep often. Feeling depressed or anxious. Having trouble concentrating.
In addition, decreased serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with the development of RLS, which illustrates the complex relationship between vitamin B12 and RLS.
Don't try melatonin
Melatonin also inhibits the secretion of dopamine, which makes it bad news for restless legs syndrome patients. It might increase RLS symptoms in the evening and night, according to researchers at Sacre-Coeur Hospital in Montreal.
Supplementing your diet with vitamin B12 and folate may reduce or alleviate RLS symptoms if you have an underlying vitamin deficiency. However, as is the case with all vitamin and mineral supplements, only take them if your doctor recommends that you do.
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.
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].
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
Magnesium deficiency is diagnosed via a blood test and sometimes a urine test. Your doctor may order the blood test if you have symptoms such as weakness, irritability, abnormal heart rhythm, nausea and/or diarrhoea, or if you have abnormal calcium or potassium levels.
Up to 80% of people with RLS experience periodic limb movements of sleep, in which they move their legs 300 to 500 times a night. This activates the sympathetic nervous system, elevating heart rate and blood pressure. It also interrupts sleep, which is associated with increased heart risk.