Understanding The Link Between RLS and Sleep Disorders

While RLS isn’t technically a sleep disorder, RLS and sleep disorders are closely associated since RLS is experienced most frequently when the sufferer is trying to sleep or relax. It can impair sleep dramatically by not allowing the patient to sleep for very long, if at all.

RLS is also commonly confused with a very similar ailment that is better known. Nocturnal Myocluonus is a disorder where the sufferer moves around during sleep. In most cases, these movements are small and of no major consequence, but sometimes, in extreme cases, the sufferer will lash out in an uncontrolled way during sleep, kicking and punching wildly.

This ailment was made famous on an episode of the hit 1990’s television show Seinfeld when the lead character met a woman who had this condition and had to sleep in the same bed with her. A similar episode of the Drew Carey Show had the lead character suffering from the same situation, but in the case of Drew Carey, the disorder was brought on by stress, not an actual case of Nocturnal Myocluonus.

The impact of not sleeping through the night is much more serious than many people realize. Sleep is when your body recharged and heals itself from all the bumps and bruises you take throughout the day. It’s thought that over 47 million Americans don’t sleep enough or have trouble sleeping at all. This can lead to many health problems such as chronic fatigue and exhaustion. There is also a major impact on moods, leading to sadness, depression and in the most severe cases, even suicidal tendencies.

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Lack of sleep for extended periods has also been linked to many other diseases like early-onset diabetes. Daily tasks that many consider being normal and average can become dangerous, such as driving or cooking for sleep deprived people. Finally, sleep deprivation has even been linked to the spike in road rage cases over the last 20 years, as the lack of sleep has a profound effect on moods and anger levels.

It is thought that one of the best treatments for RLS is a consistent good night’s sleep, which can be very difficult since it can be close to impossible for RLS sufferers to sleep though the night. It is thought that if you practice good sleep hygiene, (defined as going to bed and getting up at approximately the same time every day, having a routine around bedtime, having a relaxation regimen every night that you follow that prepares you for bed and avoiding any stimulants, such as caffeine or alcohol within one hour of going to bed) sleeping through the night will be easier for RLS sufferers. But for most people, some things work and some don’t. If you can’t sleep through the night on a regular basis, it is suggested that you seek help from a doctor.

Sleep is one of the most important parts of life and when RLS and sleep disorders as a result of it gets in the way of a restful night, the impact on your life can be staggering. If you suffer from RLS or if you know someone who does, seek the help of a doctor right away and start down the path towards recovery.

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Tags: sleep, sleep disorder

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Tags: sleep, sleep disorder