My Restless Legs Syndrome Won't Let Me Sleep: Can You Help?

Sleep matters. Getting ample, good-quality rest helps you stay productive during the day, lets your body take care of crucial processes, and boosts your physical and mental health. On the flip side, not sleeping well can lead to issues like heart problems, weight gain, depression, and a weaker immune system.

Some of the causes of sleep problems can be easy to correct. You should avoid drinking caffeinated beverages too late in the day, for example. Other reasons for bad sleep can be trickier, though. 

Take restless legs syndrome (RLS), for example. When you live with this condition, you experience an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually right around the time you’re trying to fall asleep. 

Fortunately, our providers at Vascular & Interventional Associates have extensive experience in RLS and offer effective treatment for people throughout northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. If your restless legs won’t let you sleep, we can help.

Restless legs syndrome and sleep

The vast majority of people with RLS — some 88% — report dealing with some sort of sleep issues because of their restless legs. While researchers are still working to pinpoint precisely what causes RLS, we do know the symptoms. 

Many people with RLS say that in bed, their legs feel achy or itchy. Some people report a feeling like their skin is crawling or experiencing a sensation like an electric shock. 

To find relief, many people massage their legs, move them around in bed, or even get up and walk around. While that can ease your symptoms, it cuts into your sleep time.

Treating RLS for a better night’s rest

Fortunately, our team at Vascular & Interventional Associates can help you change that. The process starts with a physical exam to diagnose your RLS and better understand your specific symptoms. We might add other diagnostic tools in this part of the process. 

Because a number of RLS cases stem from an iron deficiency, for example, we might order a blood test to check your iron levels. Additionally, roughly one-third of people with RLS have chronic venous insufficiency, so our vascular experts check the blood vessels in your legs for damaged or weak valves. 

From there, we tailor your treatment plan to address the cause of your RLS as well as your symptoms. Even if no diagnostic tools turn up a clear cause of your restless legs, we work with you to find an effective treatment.

In many cases, your RLS treatment centers around medication such as muscle relaxants and drugs that help balance brain chemicals. We also help you build an at-home care plan that might include warm baths, massage for your legs, and regular moderate exercise. 

At the end of the day, you deserve a good night’s sleep. To get started on an RLS treatment plan that works for you, call our office in Crestview Hills, Kentucky, or request an appointment online today.