Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a medical condition that involves the involuntary movement of your legs, often leading to discomfort. It can be exceptionally bothersome when dealing with it at night, as you sit down or lie down, preparing to get some sleep. Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, this condition can be quite bothersome, disrupting your daily life due to the uncontrollable urges—often ending with sleepless nights and tiresome mornings.
Here are some helpful tips for those struggling with RLS, which will ease your situation, allowing you to better deal with the symptoms associated with it.
Know What’s Right Vs. Wrong When Taking Medications
If you rush through discussing your RLS symptoms amid other concerns with your primary care doctor during an annual appointment, he or she may prescribe you with medication to help ease the pain you’re handling. However with RLS, proper diagnosis is key, as partial or incorrect assessments can lead to taking the wrong types of medicine—thus ending with you feeling more restless and anxious. To avoid causing more problems, consult a sleep specialist, and be as open and thorough as possible about the symptoms you’re experiencing.
When it comes to dealing with RLS, accurate diagnosis can mean the difference between being prescribed the appropriate medications to take, as compared to the wrong drugs that could be targeting something else—like antihistamines, nausea-inducing drugs, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
Your Lack of Sleep May Be a Serious Problem
The lack of getting the required amount of sleep, which is a significant factor caused by RLS, could potentially lead to more severe issues, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To help you diagnose the issues and manage the symptoms, our sleep center in Jacksonville is there to rule out your behavioral changes and figure out your RLS’s primary causes.
Stay Healthy
Exercising regularly isn’t just beneficial for staying fit, but it’s also good for battling RLS. While that may be the case, ensure not to overdo it, as that can be more detrimental to your health in the long run! Keep it to a decent amount of exertion and avoid beating yourself to the point that you’re too exhausted to function.
Other than that, part of being active is making sure you’re practicing a balanced diet as well. Having too much sugar, carbs, and alcohol may just make your RLS worse, which is why it’s best to lean on vegetables and other food that’s full of protein instead.
Keep Yourself Busy
RLS happens when both your mind and body are in a standstill. That’s why part of dealing with its treatments means exercising both physically and mentally as well. We recommend doing brain activities that involve taking the time to really think.
In addition, part of keeping your wits regularly functioning is making sure your mental health is intact. As much as possible, avoid activities that will lead to anxiety and stress. This involves avoiding things that will constrain you or put you in an uncomfortable situation, which can only lead to worsening RLS symptoms.
Dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome
Having RLS is a common condition that other people have too, which is why it’s also a good option to seek advice from those who are experts on the matter. Not only will this lead to an even better understanding of your situation, but it will also give you hope to survive through your circumstances.
Visit a Sleep Study Doctor in Jacksonville, FL
We at Jacksonville Sleep Center strive to guide our patients through the different sleep disorders and come up with solutions that will help improve your case. As a sleep center in Jacksonville, FL, we make use of personalized care plans to meet your needs. Get in touch with us today!
