Table of contents:
- Causes of restless legs syndrome during sleep
- Sleep problems due to restless leg syndrome
- 1. Insomnia
- 2. Excessive daytime sleepiness
According to the National Sleep Foundation, restless leg syndrome is a nervous disorder characterized by movement of the legs out of control during sleep. Also known as restless legs syndrome (RLS), restless leg syndrome can cause sleep disturbances and other long-term impacts on health.
What are the factors causing this disturbance and its possible impact? The following is the full review.
Causes of restless legs syndrome during sleep
The cause of restless leg syndrome (RLS) is not known with certainty. However, there are certain genes that are thought to be associated with this neurological disorder. These genes dominate the normal genes in the body so that they have an impact on the onset of disease.
Apart from being genetic, RLS can also appear together with other health problems. Previous studies have found that RLS was more prevalent in people with anemia, kidney failure, peripheral nerve damage, and people who are deficient in iron.
Restless legs syndrome symptoms sometimes trigger sleep disturbances in pregnant women, but symptoms usually diminish at 4 weeks after delivery. This sleep disorder is also found in smokers, people who consume alcohol and caffeine, and people who take nausea medications and antidepressants.
This disease triggers various repetitive movements. Movements that are often found are bending the big toes and bending the waist, knees and ankles. This movement usually occurs when you haven't reached a deep sleep phase.
Some people with RLS can also experience sudden body movements while sleeping or when they wake up. These symptoms sometimes occur not only in the legs, but also on the face, arms, chest, and sex organs.
Sleep problems due to restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome itself is actually a sleep disorder, but this disease can also reduce the quality of sleep, causing other sleep problems.
Here are some sleep disorders that can arise.
1. Insomnia
Repetitive leg movements often make people with RLS wake up in the middle of the night. Even if you try to sleep, these movements and the uncomfortable sensations that accompany them will reappear, keeping you awake constantly.
This condition can gradually cause insomnia, and even lead to insomnia.
Prolonged insomnia can trigger mood swing, irritability, depression, decreased immune system, and other health problems.
2. Excessive daytime sleepiness
Restless leg syndrome will continue to reduce your sleep hours, even getting worse if you experience sleep disorders such as insomnia. The long-term impact is decreased sleep quality.
Discomfort during sleep and hours of sleep that are not long enough to make you often sleepy during the day. As a result, you become irritable and have difficulty concentrating. Your risk of experiencing anxiety disorders and depression also increases.
Restless legs syndrome can have a variety of long-term effects, from sleep disturbances to other health problems. This risk arises because the quality of your sleep continues to decline over time.
However, you can try to treat the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (restless leg syndrome). Try to consult a doctor to find the right treatment for you.
