According to the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine, neurological health Newark issues affect more than 98 million Americans. One of the most prevalent neurological disorders among people in this country is restless legs syndrome. Below are possible causes and relief solutions for restless legs syndrome.
Restless legs syndrome causes
When you have RLS, you will feel a persistent longing to move your legs and feet, which is difficult to resist. That urge is often stronger during the evenings and nighttime.
The sensations that force you to move your limbs can disrupt sleep, leading to daytime exhaustion and sleepiness. Here are some possible causes of RLS.
- Reduced dopamine levels and damage to nerve cells
Clinical studies reveal that restless legs syndrome usually emanates from reduced dopamine levels. Inadequate dopamine levels or imbalance in dopamine usually occurs when you have damaged nerve cells.
Damaged nerve cells interrupt or stop communication between your brain, nervous, and muscular systems. Because you cannot typically control the function of muscles and your ability to move, you will experience involuntary muscle twitching and movements. Although that neurological problem frequently occurs in your lower limbs, it can also affect your upper limbs.
Various underlying health problems and conditions can impair nerve cells and cause dopamine imbalance. These illnesses and conditions include diabetes, low iron levels in the blood, pregnancy, and chronic kidney disease.
RLS can also result from certain medications that block dopamine release. These drugs include those used for treating allergy symptoms, clinical depression, and manic depression. Stress, use of alcohol, and smoking can also trigger restless legs syndrome.
- Unknown causes
You can have restless legs syndrome, but it can be hard for your doctor to determine its cause. Sleep and blood tests can diagnose restless legs syndrome. Many clinical studies are ongoing to unearth more potential causes of restless legs syndrome.
However, even if the cause of your condition is unknown, the available treatment solutions often deliver adequate relief.
Restless legs syndrome remedies
One of the common solutions for relieving restless legs syndrome is dopamine agonists. When used as prescribed, dopamine agonists are a type of medication with a chemical compound that can trigger dopamine receptors.
Dopamine is a hormonal substance produced from three general sections of your brain, including the hypothalamus. It carries chemical messages between your brain, nerve cells, and other body organs. The release of more dopamine can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms.
Your doctor can also prescribe medications and opioids that alleviate pain and make you fall asleep quickly.
There are also non-medication remedies that can reliably reduce or eliminate the effects of restless legs syndrome. These alternatives to medication involve adopting good sleep hygiene, keeping your body optimally active, and keeping stress to a minimum.
For instance, you can have low-stress levels by listening to soothing music and avoiding stress-inducing events or situations like noise. Also, regularly practice yoga and calming meditation techniques like walking.
Contact Nirvana Healthcare Management Services today to schedule an appointment with a neurological health specialist.
