RLS risk higher with history of obstructive lung disease, estrogen use

A history of obstructive lung disease nearly tripled the risk of restless leg syndrome in a recent study group. The risk of restless leg syndrome was 2½ times higher for patients using estrogen.

The study looked at 535 health records from Tucson. The records were part of another project looking at sleep disordered breathing and heart disease. But researchers also used the information to determine a 1.7 percent incidence of restless leg syndrome in these patients. And people with obstructive lung disease were 2.8 times more likely to develop restless leg syndrome.

The restless leg syndrome was associated with insomnia and increased sleepiness. The study appears in the April issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.

Restless leg syndrome results in a strong urge to move the legs. It often comes with other uneasy feelings deep inside the legs. Lying or sitting still can be very hard. Learn more about restless leg syndrome or locate an accredited sleep center near you to assist with restless leg syndrome or other sleep disorders.

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Restless legs syndrome could up blood pressure in women

If you are a middle-aged woman with restless legs syndrome (RLS), you may be at a greater risk of high blood pressure.

A new study shows that women with RLS were 20 percent more likely to have high blood pressure. This risk increased with the frequency of RLS symptoms. High blood pressure was 41 percent more likely in women who reported having restless legs symptoms at least 15 times per month. Results of the RLS and high blood pressure study were published online last month in the journal Hypertension.

RLS is classified as a sleep-related movement disorder. It involves an intense urge to move the legs. And it often involves other burning, prickly, itching or tingling sensations in the legs.

These symptoms begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity. And the sensations worsen or only occur in the evening or at night. Partial or total relief occurs by moving the legs, stretching or walking.

Find out more about treatment for restless legs syndrome. Read more about restless legs syndrome on the blog.

Photo By: Chapendra

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Restless Legs in Pregnancy Predict Later RLS

A sleep disorder that may appear during pregnancy could be the sign of things to come later in life. Nearly a quarter of women who experience restless leg syndrome while pregnant may have chronic symptoms when they are older. Short-term symptoms may also reappear in future pregnancies.

People with restless leg syndrome have the strong urge to move their legs, paired with a sensation of burning, prickling, itching or tingling. These symptoms tend to flare up at night, making it difficult to sleep. Older adults tend to get restless leg syndrome, as the symptoms progress with age.

A recent study about restless leg syndrome involved about 200 women. Only 74 reported restless leg syndrome during pregnancy. Six and a half years later, the women responded to questions about later symptoms, pregnancies and other diseases.

Results show 18 of the 74 women who had restless leg syndrome during pregnancy saw the symptoms reappear. Compared to women who did not have the disorder during pregnancy, the group was four times more likely to have the condition again. About 60 percent of the women who had restless leg syndrome reported the symptoms again in future pregnancies.

The study appears to have one notable shortcoming due to the nature of restless leg syndrome. The condition is difficult to diagnose, so researchers had to rely on the patients self-diagnosis of the symptoms.

While you can take medication to reduce the symptoms of restless leg syndrome, changing your lifestyle may be just as effective. Start exercising and reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco to help restless legs syndrome. The AASM also reports activities like walking, soaking in a hot tub and massaging the legs may help when symptoms flare up.

Image by jamelah e.

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The Facts on Lavender Soap for Restless Leg Syndrome

Television host Dr. Mehmet Oz recently recommended an unusual herbal remedy for restless leg syndrome. He claims placing a bar of lavender soap beneath the bed sheets has relaxing effects that alleviate the syndrome’s symptoms and encourage better sleep.

See the clip below:



It’s debatable whether lavender soap actually works as Dr. Oz claims. While you can find testimonials from patients and herbalists on all over the web, the scientific evidence is somewhat lacking. There has yet to be a peer-reviewed study that backs lavender to specifically treat restless leg syndrome.

Several published reports suggest lavender may help with insomnia and even depression. There are some side effects to consider before starting lavender aromatherapy. The National Cancer Institute warns lavender may not be safe for women at risk for breast cancer due to some “hormone-like effects.” Lavender can also cause skin irritation and may be poisonous if swallowed.

You may want to consider other natural treatments for restless leg syndrome. Regular exercise routines including walking and riding a bike can reduce the “creepy crawly” sensation that makes sleep difficult. A hot bath in the evening can relax your muscles and help you wind down.

Avoid using caffeine or alcohol, especially in the afternoon or evening, as Dr. Oz warned in the segment. Certain medications may cause restless leg symptoms, including antidepressants and antihistamines. Other secondary causes include pregnancy and iron deficiency.

Many medications can treat restless legs. If it is preventing you from getting adequate sleep you may want to see a sleep specialist.

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