Restless legs syndrome is relatively common, occurring in between 3.9 percent and 15 percent of the world population. (2)\u00a0 Rates of restless legs syndrome are higher among Caucasians and in Western countries than in Asian and Indian populations.<\/p>\n
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome may begin at any age and tend to get worse with age. Women get restless legs syndrome about twice as often as men (3), and researchers suggest that this could be due to childbearing and differences in hormones and social roles.<\/p>\n
Restless legs syndrome can have a significant adverse effect on the quality of life, mainly due to disrupted, shortened, and low-quality sleep. Restless legs syndrome symptoms typically occur in the evening and overnight.<\/p>\n
This is likely because natural melatonin production inhibits dopamine, causing symptoms to worsen at night when we produce melatonin. (4)\u00a0Lack of sleep can, for many people, lead to difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, poor performance at work and school, and mood disorders, including depression and anxiety.<\/p>\n
Across the board, scientists agree that more research would help them restless leg syndrome fully. So far, studies show that iron deficiency and dopaminergic (DA) system dysfunction are the two factors most often present in restless legs syndrome sufferers, and the two are related.<\/p>\n
There are several things you can do to find out what might be causing your restless legs syndrome and to reduce your symptoms. I\u2019ll discuss these in the last section of the post.<\/p>\n
<\/span>How to Diagnose Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\n![\"beginner](\"https:\/\/media.yogauonline.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/04\/06050545\/1_yoga_can_help_reduce_the_effects_of_restless_leg_syndrome-1.webp\" "\\"yoga")
<\/p>\n
There is currently no test for restless legs syndrome, so the condition is diagnosed by a doctor\u2019s evaluation on the following five criteria: (1)<\/p>\n
\n- A strong or overwhelming urge to move the legs is often associated with uncomfortable sensations such as creeping, crawling, itching, tingling, pulling, throbbing, or pain.<\/li>\n
- Uncomfortable sensations and urge to move the legs begin or worsen during rest or inactivity.<\/li>\n
- Moving relieves the uncomfortable sensations in the legs (at least partially or temporarily)<\/li>\n
- Uncomfortable sensations and urge to move the legs begin or worsen in the evening or at night.<\/li>\n
- The above features are not due to any other medical or behavioral condition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
It\u2019s common for symptoms to be experienced very mildly or intermittently at first and to follow a gradual progression. Many years may pass before symptoms are experienced regularly. People most often feel symptoms in both legs, but they can occur on just one side or alternate sides.<\/p>\n
Some people also develop symptoms in their arms and in rare cases, the chest or head. More than 80 percent of people with restless legs syndrome also experience periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS), which involves involuntary leg and\/or arm movements during sleep. (1)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re trying to figure out whether or not you have restless legs syndrome, it\u2019s good to be aware that the following conditions can mimic and be misdiagnosed as restless legs syndrome: (2)<\/p>\n
\n- leg cramps<\/li>\n
- positional discomfort<\/li>\n
- local leg injury<\/li>\n
- arthritis<\/a><\/li>\n
- leg edema<\/li>\n
- venous stasis<\/li>\n
- peripheral neuropathy<\/li>\n
- radiculopathy (sciatica)<\/li>\n
- habitual foot-tapping\/leg rocking<\/li>\n
- anxiety<\/li>\n
- myalgia<\/li>\n
- drug-induced akathisia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Restless legs syndrome can be related to or caused by the following factors and conditions:<\/p>\n
\n- End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis<\/li>\n
- Iron deficiency<\/li>\n
- Vitamin D deficiency<\/li>\n
- A condition involving inflammation or immune system changes, including Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Celiac disease, Crohn\u2019s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes, and depression (5)<\/li>\n
- Certain medications, such as antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants that increase serotonin, and some cold and allergy medications that contain antihistamines<\/li>\n
- Use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine<\/li>\n
- Pregnancy, especially in the last trimester (symptoms typically disappear within four weeks after delivery)<\/li>\n
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)<\/li>\n
- Sleep deprivation or sleep apnea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Possible Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\n![\"older](\"https:\/\/media.yogauonline.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/04\/06050543\/2_yoga_and_meditation_help_reduce_symptoms_of_restless_leg_syndrome-1.webp\" "\\"yoga")
<\/p>\n
Since 1953, research has consistently shown that people with restless legs syndrome are often deficient in iron. Ultrasound, MRI, and autopsy studies show that a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, in particular, tends to have decreased levels of iron. (2) Other parts of the brain, including the putamen, thalamus, red nucleus, and pallidum, also have lower than normal concentrations of iron in restless legs syndrome patients.<\/p>\n
Logically, iron supplementation has been tested and used as a treatment for restless legs syndrome. Some people\u2019s symptoms improve or cease with iron supplementation, and others do not.<\/p>\n
The blood-brain barrier poses a problem when it comes to iron; blood serum levels of iron (iron circulating throughout the body) and levels of iron in the brain are different. People can have normal or higher than normal blood iron levels, while their brain remains iron deficient. Research suggests that in restless legs syndrome, brain iron uptake is dysregulated, leading to brain iron deficiency. (6)<\/p>\n
A 2011 in vitro study in rats found that iron deficiency can cause the death of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. (7) When these dopamine-secreting neurons die, it leads to dysfunction of mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways.<\/p>\n
These pathways regulate movement as well as motivation and desire for reward. Researchers hypothesize that the dysfunction of these pathways, in turn, leads to dysregulation of limbic and sensorimotor networks, resulting in the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. (8)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Parkinson\u2019s Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\nDeath of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and disruption of dopamine pathways also occurs in Parkinson\u2019s disease. While rates of restless legs syndrome are higher among Parkinson\u2019s disease patients than controls, and the two conditions have overlapping clinical symptoms, scientists believe that the underlying pathological processes that cause restless legs syndrome versus restless legs syndrome associated with Parkinson\u2019s disease are different. (9)<\/p>\n
In restless legs syndrome, iron deficiency causes the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. But in Parkinson\u2019s disease, it has been found that too much iron in the substantia nigra causes oxidative stress, leading to the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. (10)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Dopamine and Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/h2>\nDopamine medications, which are primarily used to treat Parkinson\u2019s disease, can prevent the breakdown of dopamine, mimic dopamine, or convert it into dopamine when it reaches the brain. These drugs can reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, and some have been approved to treat restless legs syndrome.<\/p>\n
However, long-term use is typically not recommended because it can lead to worsening of symptoms. This occurs because, over time, the brain adapts to the increased levels of dopamine or dopamine-like substances in the brain and gradually makes less of its own dopamine. (11)<\/p>\n
<\/p>\nIt\u2019s common for symptoms to be experienced very mildly or intermittently at first and to follow a gradual progression. Many years may pass before symptoms are experienced regularly. People most often feel symptoms in both legs, but they can occur on just one side or alternate sides.<\/p>\n
Some people also develop symptoms in their arms and in rare cases, the chest or head. More than 80 percent of people with restless legs syndrome also experience periodic limb movement of sleep (PLMS), which involves involuntary leg and\/or arm movements during sleep. (1)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re trying to figure out whether or not you have restless legs syndrome, it\u2019s good to be aware that the following conditions can mimic and be misdiagnosed as restless legs syndrome: (2)<\/p>\n
\n- leg cramps<\/li>\n
- positional discomfort<\/li>\n
- local leg injury<\/li>\n
- arthritis<\/a><\/li>\n
- leg edema<\/li>\n
- venous stasis<\/li>\n
- peripheral neuropathy<\/li>\n
- radiculopathy (sciatica)<\/li>\n
- habitual foot-tapping\/leg rocking<\/li>\n
- anxiety<\/li>\n
- myalgia<\/li>\n
- drug-induced akathisia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Restless legs syndrome can be related to or caused by the following factors and conditions:<\/p>\n
\n- End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis<\/li>\n
- Iron deficiency<\/li>\n
- Vitamin D deficiency<\/li>\n
- A condition involving inflammation or immune system changes, including Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Celiac disease, Crohn\u2019s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes, and depression (5)<\/li>\n
- Certain medications, such as antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants that increase serotonin, and some cold and allergy medications that contain antihistamines<\/li>\n
- Use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine<\/li>\n
- Pregnancy, especially in the last trimester (symptoms typically disappear within four weeks after delivery)<\/li>\n
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)<\/li>\n
- Sleep deprivation or sleep apnea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Possible Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Since 1953, research has consistently shown that people with restless legs syndrome are often deficient in iron. Ultrasound, MRI, and autopsy studies show that a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, in particular, tends to have decreased levels of iron. (2) Other parts of the brain, including the putamen, thalamus, red nucleus, and pallidum, also have lower than normal concentrations of iron in restless legs syndrome patients.<\/p>\n
Logically, iron supplementation has been tested and used as a treatment for restless legs syndrome. Some people\u2019s symptoms improve or cease with iron supplementation, and others do not.<\/p>\n
The blood-brain barrier poses a problem when it comes to iron; blood serum levels of iron (iron circulating throughout the body) and levels of iron in the brain are different. People can have normal or higher than normal blood iron levels, while their brain remains iron deficient. Research suggests that in restless legs syndrome, brain iron uptake is dysregulated, leading to brain iron deficiency. (6)<\/p>\n
A 2011 in vitro study in rats found that iron deficiency can cause the death of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. (7) When these dopamine-secreting neurons die, it leads to dysfunction of mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways.<\/p>\n
These pathways regulate movement as well as motivation and desire for reward. Researchers hypothesize that the dysfunction of these pathways, in turn, leads to dysregulation of limbic and sensorimotor networks, resulting in the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. (8)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Parkinson\u2019s Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\nDeath of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and disruption of dopamine pathways also occurs in Parkinson\u2019s disease. While rates of restless legs syndrome are higher among Parkinson\u2019s disease patients than controls, and the two conditions have overlapping clinical symptoms, scientists believe that the underlying pathological processes that cause restless legs syndrome versus restless legs syndrome associated with Parkinson\u2019s disease are different. (9)<\/p>\n
In restless legs syndrome, iron deficiency causes the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. But in Parkinson\u2019s disease, it has been found that too much iron in the substantia nigra causes oxidative stress, leading to the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. (10)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Dopamine and Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/h2>\nDopamine medications, which are primarily used to treat Parkinson\u2019s disease, can prevent the breakdown of dopamine, mimic dopamine, or convert it into dopamine when it reaches the brain. These drugs can reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, and some have been approved to treat restless legs syndrome.<\/p>\n
However, long-term use is typically not recommended because it can lead to worsening of symptoms. This occurs because, over time, the brain adapts to the increased levels of dopamine or dopamine-like substances in the brain and gradually makes less of its own dopamine. (11)<\/p>\n
Restless legs syndrome can be related to or caused by the following factors and conditions:<\/p>\n
- \n
- End-stage renal disease and hemodialysis<\/li>\n
- Iron deficiency<\/li>\n
- Vitamin D deficiency<\/li>\n
- A condition involving inflammation or immune system changes, including Parkinson\u2019s disease, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Celiac disease, Crohn\u2019s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, diabetes, and depression (5)<\/li>\n
- Certain medications, such as antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants that increase serotonin, and some cold and allergy medications that contain antihistamines<\/li>\n
- Use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine<\/li>\n
- Pregnancy, especially in the last trimester (symptoms typically disappear within four weeks after delivery)<\/li>\n
- Neuropathy (nerve damage)<\/li>\n
- Sleep deprivation or sleep apnea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>Possible Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nSince 1953, research has consistently shown that people with restless legs syndrome are often deficient in iron. Ultrasound, MRI, and autopsy studies show that a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, in particular, tends to have decreased levels of iron. (2) Other parts of the brain, including the putamen, thalamus, red nucleus, and pallidum, also have lower than normal concentrations of iron in restless legs syndrome patients.<\/p>\n
Logically, iron supplementation has been tested and used as a treatment for restless legs syndrome. Some people\u2019s symptoms improve or cease with iron supplementation, and others do not.<\/p>\n
The blood-brain barrier poses a problem when it comes to iron; blood serum levels of iron (iron circulating throughout the body) and levels of iron in the brain are different. People can have normal or higher than normal blood iron levels, while their brain remains iron deficient. Research suggests that in restless legs syndrome, brain iron uptake is dysregulated, leading to brain iron deficiency. (6)<\/p>\n
A 2011 in vitro study in rats found that iron deficiency can cause the death of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. (7) When these dopamine-secreting neurons die, it leads to dysfunction of mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways.<\/p>\n
These pathways regulate movement as well as motivation and desire for reward. Researchers hypothesize that the dysfunction of these pathways, in turn, leads to dysregulation of limbic and sensorimotor networks, resulting in the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. (8)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Parkinson\u2019s Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome<\/span><\/h2>\n
Death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and disruption of dopamine pathways also occurs in Parkinson\u2019s disease. While rates of restless legs syndrome are higher among Parkinson\u2019s disease patients than controls, and the two conditions have overlapping clinical symptoms, scientists believe that the underlying pathological processes that cause restless legs syndrome versus restless legs syndrome associated with Parkinson\u2019s disease are different. (9)<\/p>\n
In restless legs syndrome, iron deficiency causes the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. But in Parkinson\u2019s disease, it has been found that too much iron in the substantia nigra causes oxidative stress, leading to the death of dopamine-secreting neurons. (10)<\/p>\n
<\/span>Dopamine and Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/h2>\n
Dopamine medications, which are primarily used to treat Parkinson\u2019s disease, can prevent the breakdown of dopamine, mimic dopamine, or convert it into dopamine when it reaches the brain. These drugs can reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, and some have been approved to treat restless legs syndrome.<\/p>\n
However, long-term use is typically not recommended because it can lead to worsening of symptoms. This occurs because, over time, the brain adapts to the increased levels of dopamine or dopamine-like substances in the brain and gradually makes less of its own dopamine. (11)<\/p>\n
![\"older](\"https:\/\/media.yogauonline.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/04\/06050541\/3_yoga_can_improve_discomfort_related_to_restless_leg_syndrome-1.webp\" "\\"yoga")
<\/p>\n![\"older](\"https:\/\/media.yogauonline.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/04\/06050540\/4_meditation_and_yoga_practice_for_reducing_stress-1.webp\" "\\"meditation")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/media.yogauonline.com\/app\/uploads\/2021\/02\/06080345\/AdobeStock_187340960-1024x683.webp\")