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Restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is also known as Wittmaack-Ekbom's syndrome and nocturnal myoclonus, is a type of sleep disorder that is often misdiagnosed, and believed to be a neurological disorder. For most people this disorder is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable desire to move them. The symptoms of RLS generally worsen during the early evening or during the night leading to a decreased quality of sleep. This can cause subsequent fatigue, anxiety, or depression throughout the day along with confusion and slowed mental processes. It is estimated that restless leg syndrome affects about 5% of the United States population. It is not a dangerous or life threatening condition, nor is it caused by or does it indicate a more serious disorder, but it can be painful and life disrupting. The symptoms usually worsen over time for about two-thirds of all people afflicted with this disorder and they can eventually be severe enough to be disabling. In fact for many people the symptoms may be nothing more than an annoyance when they first start and the condition itself may not be diagnosed for 10 to 20 years after the symptoms begin. There is no known definitive cause for restless leg syndrome but one area of interest is iron deficiency and anemia. This is the most commonly associated medical condition for RLS, accounting for just over 20% of all diagnosis. Many researchers have theorized and believe that the majority of the issues associated with RLS are because of inadequate vitamin and mineral intake. Deficiencies of this type can affect the brain, causing chemical imbalances. A report on RLS released in June of 2003 from a joint study by Penn State and Johns Hopkins found that not enough iron was getting to the cells of the mid-brain of people who suffer from the symptoms of restless legs. This study helped prove that RLS is not associated with any type of psychological disorder and is in fact a sensory motor disorder. The scientists at these two institutions found that a receptor is either missing or not functioning properly in the brain cells of people with RLS. This causes an iron deficiency in the brain cells which leads to misfiring neural signals that in turn causes the symptoms. This also does not mean that those with restless leg are iron deficient; it may just be that not enough iron is actually making it into the brain cells. Because of this it is important to have iron levels tested before adding iron supplements to the diet. In fact it can be dangerous to take to much iron which can cause an iron overload which can be very dangerous. Visiting with your doctor can help determine if an iron deficiency is the cause of your RLS and if taking an iron supplement is a viable restless leg treatment. To learn more about the cause of restless leg syndrome, its treatment and coping strategies visit the website Restless Leg Syndrome by clicking here.
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