1m suffering blight of 'restless legs syndrome'

The Telegraph ^ | 17/06/2004 | Celia Hall

[ijcr]

More than a million Britons may suffer from a disorder called restless legs syndrome that ruins their sleep and affects the quality of their lives, says a survey.

Their condition compels them to move their legs and is usually accompanied by a "creepy-crawly" or burning sensation which can only be relieved by walking around.

At night, sufferers may experience involuntary leg jerks once a minute, disturbing sleep and leading to daytime tiredness.

Research among 23,000 people in America, France, Spain and Germany included more than 2,000 British patients and 28 British GPs. The survey is published today in the journal, Sleep Medicine.

The results showed that about two per cent of British adults may suffer from restless legs severely enough to warrant treatment.

Dr Wayne Hening, the New York researcher who led the study, says: "The study indicates that restless legs syndome is a common cause of sleep disruption that usually remains undiagnosed in primary care. Even when diagnosed, it is often not appropriately treated".

Researchers call for better education of the medical profession and the public.

Most of the patients said the syndrome caused sleep problems, six out of 10 said it was hard to sit still and relax and more than half said daily activities were disturbed.

Dr John Shneerson, director of the Sleep Centre at Papworth Hospital, Cambs, said: "I suspect many patients are discouraged from seeing a doctor because they do not receive effective treatment and believe they simply have to put up with their symptoms."

[ijcr]

It will give Rush a reason to play the resless leg fake commercial.

[patriciaruth]

Quinine can be purchased in RX doses to be taken before bed, or one can drink diet tonic (quinine) water before bed, washing down a couple Tylenol.

Also a hot shower before bed helps, as well as wearing warm pyjamas and socks to keep the legs warm.

Any other suggestions out there for sufferers?

[SkyPilot]

More than a million Britons may suffer from a disorder called restless legs syndrome

Perhaps they should seek advice from the Ministry of Silly Walks.

[patriciaruth]

seek advice from the Ministry of Silly Walks.

Which reminds me that the best preventative for restless legs at night is an orgasm.

[Straight Vermonter]

I've been taking quinine for years and never knew about that.

[patriciaruth]

Are you taking it for restless legs or leg pain at night?

[ladyrustic]

"Which reminds me that the best preventative for restless legs at night is an orgasm."

I think I like this prescription best.

[GailA]

Hubby has to wear socks or his feet with cramp if he kicks the covers off. Have they looked into the lack/low calcium/potassium in their diets? Or might I suggest it could be compressed nerves from deterioated discs in the lower back? Like about the L 4 & 5 area that makes for sciatca (sp?) type stuff in the leg.

[DefCon]

"Which reminds me that the best preventative for restless legs at night is an orgasm."
- - -
I would be happy if I could just participate in the study.

[Revelation 911]

Ive got it...its really odd - Im dozing off and have no concept of what my leg is doing - but my wife claims it spasms and kicks within seconds of dozing off - I wonder if its tied to apnea or obesity

On other occasions it will do it to a much lesser extent when awake - it almost feels like there is an itch on the bone / deep muscle and the twitch "itches" it

[Anij]

Morning!

My husband suffers from jumping legs syndrome and has since childhood, as did his mother. Research shows that it tends to be hereditary, and one of the most effective ways of getting a good night's sleep is to take 1mg sub-lingual Ativan. My husband takes this occasionally, but won't take it every night as he doesn't want to become dependent on any drug therapy.

Hot baths do help, as does orgasm... believe it or not.

FWIW, - Anij.

[SkyPilot]

Pat,

#4 has to be the FR quote of the month.

[ovrtaxt]

I think I'm developing a restless leg right now!! Yep, it's definitely restless. Now where's my wife?

[Anij]

Morning!

No, it is not related to sleep apnea or obesity. It is caused by electrical signals from the brain working overtime overloading the central nervous system, producing too many catecholamines, which in some people translates into restlessness, others into panic disorder, and others into conditions like jumping leg syndrome.

FYI, the reason why orgasm works is because it relaxes the muscles in the whole body, and if one goes to sleep soon after it can make for a less restless night.

It's not much fun to have this disorder, but it's also quite a challenge trying to SLEEP with someone who has it!!!

In the peace and love of Christ, - Anij.

[patriciaruth]

Nothing like a prescription that makes you giggle.

[Judith Anne]

I know of one patient who got relief from painful and restless legs with anti-Parkinson meds.

[Just another Joe]

Oh, c'mon, you know it's just their legs trying to tell them to get out of Great Britian before it goes completely socialist. ;^)

[steve8714]

Is this the same as Kramer's "Jimmy legs"? Melatonin might not solve the leg movement, but seems to allow for uninterrupted sleep.

[mcshot]

My experience with restless leg syndrome stems from lyme related insomnia. What works best for me is 800 mg of magnesium, plus klonopin, flexeril, potassium, a calcium supplement and melatonin with warm blankets. Even though the wifee is not generally a willing participant I'm sleeping better than ever now. I will look into quinine.
Best all,

mc

[Kenton]

"Which reminds me that the best preventative for restless legs at night is an orgasm."

Thank God we live in a country where we can get top notch medical care...