Sign up for CNN’s Sleep, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep. Karla Dzienkowski’s daughter was 11 when she started coming into her mom’s room at night saying she couldn’t fall asleep because of a stabbing feeling in her legs. She had to walk to make it stop. The preteen became cranky and tired. Her grades started to slip, and she even fell asleep on a bench during a family trip to an amusement park, Dzienkowski said. It took three years, but Dzienkowski’s family finally got an explanation for the girl’s condition: restless legs syndrome. One study estimates 4% to 29% of adults in Western industrialized countries have restless legs syndrome. It is a condition that too few people can recognize in themselves, and many doctors don’t know how to manage properly, said Dzienkowski, a nurse who is executive director of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. Here is what experts want you to know about restless legs syndrome. What is restless legs syndrome? “Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by a need to move that is oftentimes associated with an uncomfortable feeling,” said Dr. John Winkelman, chief of the sleep disorders clinical research program at Massachusetts General Hospital and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. The uncomfortable feeling — described as crawling, aching, tingling or throbbing — is often in the legs and sometimes the arms, he added. Restlessness frequently happens when people with the condition are sitting or lying down, and it is relieved with movement, Winkelman said. Symptoms are more likely to occur when a person is at rest, most often at night, and because the syndrome interferes with sleep, it is classified as a sleep disorder, Winkelman said. In moderate to severe cases, people experience restless legs syndrome several times a week, and in the most extreme cases, symptoms can delay sleep for several hours, said Dr. Brian Koo, associate professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine and director of the Yale Center for Restless Legs Syndrome. Who gets it? Two strong components play a role in who gets restless legs syndrome: genetics and iron levels. Restless legs syndrome often runs in families, and genetic markers make up about 20% of the prediction of who will get it, Winkelman said. Those with an iron deficiency are also more likely to get restless legs syndrome, including people who are pregnant, on dialysis, who are menstruating, who have anemia, or who are vegetarians, Winkelman said. Those on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants may also be vulnerable to restless legs syndrome, he added. The condition is twice as common in women as in men and much more common as people get older, Winkelman said. However, as Dzienkowski learned, children can have restless legs syndrome, too. Treatment with lifestyle changes To treat restless legs syndrome, a good first step is to look at what might be making the condition worse, Winkelman said. Alcohol, other medications and simple sugars may contribute to symptoms, Koo said. If iron is low — or even borderline low — oral iron supplements or intravenous iron infusions may help, Winkelman added. Dzienkowski also recommends having a “bag of tricks” to manage symptoms, such as hot or cold packs, massages, walks or some mind-stimulating activity. “For some reason … if you keep your mind engaged, it helps to keep symptoms at bay,” she said. Medications that can help There are medications that help if lifestyle changes and iron supplementation don’t work. Many doctors will start with a class of drugs called alpha2-delta ligands, such as gabapentin or pregabalin, Koo said. For a long time, dopamine agonists were the first line of medications. But they are now prescribed infrequently because they can worsen restless legs syndrome over time, Winkelman added. The medications for the most severe cases are low-dose, long-acting opioid medications, Koo said. Talk to a doctor If you have discomfort that motivates you to move your legs at rest — particularly if doing so disturbs your sleep — talk to a doctor, Dzienkowski said. Not all medical professionals are well versed in restless legs syndrome, so asking for a referral to a sleep specialist may be helpful, she said. You should also get your lab work done, especially an iron panel with ferritin, a blood test that looks at how much iron your body has and how available it is for use, Dzienkowski said. “The sooner you do it, the better, because you’re just delaying diagnosis and treatment, which can be detrimental to your life,” she said. “You don’t realize that that sleepiness that you’re feeling at work or the crankiness or you’re not wanting to get out and do things could be the RLS bleeding into your daytime. … At least go have that conversation.”
Restless legs syndrome: A common sleep disorder you may never have heard of
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Understanding Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move, typically accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, such as crawling, aching, or tingling. This condition often occurs when individuals are at rest, particularly during the night, leading to significant sleep disturbances. Karla Dzienkowski shared her daughter's experience, which began at the age of 11, when she complained of sharp pains in her legs that could only be alleviated by walking. After three years of searching for answers, the family learned that her symptoms were due to RLS. Studies suggest that between 4% and 29% of adults in Western industrialized countries suffer from this condition, yet many remain unaware of it, and healthcare professionals frequently lack the knowledge to manage it effectively. Symptoms can be mild or severe, with the latter causing considerable delays in sleep onset and overall quality of life issues, including daytime fatigue and irritability.
Genetic predisposition and iron levels are two key factors influencing the likelihood of developing RLS. The disorder tends to run in families, and about 20% of the risk can be attributed to genetic markers. Individuals with iron deficiencies, including pregnant women, those undergoing dialysis, and people with anemia, are at increased risk. The condition affects women more than men and becomes more prevalent with age, although it can also occur in children. Treatment strategies often begin with lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding alcohol and sugars, and may include iron supplementation if levels are low. For those who do not respond to these changes, medications such as gabapentin and pregabalin are commonly prescribed. Dzienkowski advises anyone experiencing symptoms to consult a healthcare provider, particularly a sleep specialist, and to undergo testing for iron levels, as early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing the disorder effectively.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents an overview of restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder affecting sleep, particularly among children and adults. It illustrates the personal story of a mother and her daughter’s struggle with the condition, highlighting the challenges of diagnosis and awareness surrounding RLS. This narrative also provides insights from medical professionals about the disorder, its symptoms, prevalence, and management strategies.
Purpose of the Article
The primary aim appears to be raising awareness about restless legs syndrome. By detailing a personal story, the article seeks to connect with readers who may have experienced similar symptoms but have not identified them as RLS. It highlights the importance of recognizing the condition and encourages readers to seek medical advice if they relate to the described symptoms. This serves not only to educate but also to empower individuals suffering from the condition to advocate for their health.
Public Perception and Impact
The article attempts to create a sense of urgency about recognizing symptoms of RLS. By mentioning its prevalence in industrialized countries, it emphasizes that many individuals may be affected without knowing it. This could foster a community of support among those who suffer from the disorder, as it pushes for a broader understanding of the condition in society and among healthcare professionals.
Potential Omissions
While the article effectively outlines the condition's symptoms and impacts, it might not address underlying causes or treatment options in-depth. This could lead to an incomplete understanding of the disorder, as readers may be left wondering how to manage or alleviate their symptoms. The focus on personal experience and expert opinions may suggest that the medical community is not doing enough to address the issue, potentially leading to frustration among those seeking help.
Manipulative Elements
The narrative-driven approach, while engaging, could lead to an emotional response that may overshadow the clinical aspects of the disorder. The use of personal stories can elicit sympathy and urgency, which might encourage readers to perceive the condition as more severe or widespread than it is. However, this is a common technique in health-related journalism, aiming to humanize medical issues.
Comparative Context
When placed alongside other health articles, this piece stands out due to its focus on a lesser-known disorder. Many health articles discuss more common conditions, which may lead to a lack of attention to RLS in broader health discussions. This unique angle can help differentiate it within the crowded field of health journalism.
Societal and Economic Implications
The mention of RLS in children and its impact on education and daily life suggests broader implications for society. If more people become aware of the condition and seek treatment, there may be a shift in how healthcare systems address sleep disorders. Economically, increased awareness could lead to a rise in demand for medical consultations and treatments related to sleep disorders, potentially affecting pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Target Audiences
The article likely resonates more with parents, educators, and individuals experiencing sleep disorders. It aims to reach a demographic that values health awareness and is seeking solutions for sleep-related issues. The personal story aspect may also attract readers interested in human interest narratives.
Market Effects
While the article may not directly influence stock prices, it could indirectly impact companies involved in sleep health, such as those producing sleep aids or medications for related disorders. Increased awareness could lead to a higher market demand for these products.
Geopolitical Context
There is no direct geopolitical relevance to the article; however, the discussion of health issues like RLS could fit within broader conversations about public health, healthcare access, and the importance of addressing chronic health conditions in industrialized nations.
Use of AI in Writing
It's possible that AI tools were used for content generation or editing, especially in structuring the article and ensuring clarity. The narrative flow and the organization of information are aspects where AI could contribute. However, the personal anecdote likely required a human touch to convey the emotional depth of the experience.
The article is largely credible and informative, offering valuable insights into a condition that is often overlooked. It effectively raises awareness and encourages dialogue about restless legs syndrome while acknowledging the challenges that come with it.