Mysteries of Restless Legs Syndrome
November 2, 2009 by Peggy Rowland
Filed under Women's Health
No one really knows what causes restless legs syndrome (RLS). People who have this problem experience a strong urge to move their legs when they should be falling asleep. Some people with restless legs syndrome may feel sensations in their legs described as tingling or crawling. Sufferers may also have periodic limb movements during sleep.
New research has shown that Caucasian women might suffer from restless legs syndrome up to four times more than African-American women. In the study, two out of five Caucasian women had restless legs syndrome. Researchers aren’t sure why there’s a higher prevalence of the problem among Caucasians, but Ammar Alkhazna, MD, University of Missouri said that it’s likely a “combination of factors, including a genetic predisposition to RLS, diet—including iron intake—medications, and possibly culture.”
Are women in general more likely to suffer from restless legs syndrome?
Dr. Alkhazna noted that some risk factors for restless legs syndrome are more common in women, including iron deficiency and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study was presented at CHEST 2009, the 75th annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP).
Kalpalatha Guntupalli, MD, FCCP, President of the American College of Chest Physicians said that restless legs syndrome is a common sleep disorder that nevertheless is not always easily recognized by either patients or their doctors.
If you’re having problems sleeping, be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms of restless legs syndrome you may be experiencing. To help diagnose the disorder, doctors may sometimes order a polysomnogram, which records movement and other activity during sleep. Treatment may include lifestyle changes or medication.
(Image – polysomnogram -via WikiMedia Commons)
