Restless Leg Syndrome Research Paper

Restless Leg syndrome or is a neurological sleep disorder that effects almost 10% of the population. More likely to occur in women than men, it can begin at any age but symptoms worsen as age increases. Patients diagnosed with Restless Leg syndrome experience unpleasant feelings in the legs that are often uncomfortable and painful. Moving the legs alleviates this discomfort. Symptoms occur mainly at night and can range in severity. This unusual condition is activated when patients lye down and attempt to relax. Struggling to relax and fall asleep causes daytime fatigue and enervation (CHAUDHUR). “Many people with RLS report that their job, personal relations, and activities of daily living are strongly affected as a result of their sleep deprivation and are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks (Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet.).” The distinct cause or RLS is unknown and many factors can contribute to the condition. It has a genetic component with an autosomal dominant patter of inheritance (Ekborm) and is most common in the United States. Low iron
Men and women are equally effected through out the world and symptoms often arise in childhood. This disorder involves the disorganization of sleep wake cycles. Symptoms include patients having extreme daytime sleepiness and unplanned “sleep-attacks” throughout the day that last up to several minutes called EDS (BOOK). It can affect daily routines and cause people to unwillingly fall asleep in the middle of daily activities as simple as talking or eating but can become unsafe when the individual is driving or operating heavy machinery. Some patients with this condition suffer from EDS, cataplexy, hallucinations, obesity and paralysis (Narcolepsy and Sleep.). Medications can help alleviate symptoms such as Modafinil and Methylphenidate. Along with drug treatment, exercise and a routine nap schedule can