Welcome to Sleep Disorder
Apnea Device Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Restless Legs Syndrome - The Management of a Serious Sleep Disorder
from: Donald SaundersRestless legs syndrome, or RLS, is seen as both a neuromuscular disorder and a sleep disorder. Less frequently diagnosed than sleep disorders like narcolepsy, sleep apnea and insomnia, restless legs syndrome is nonetheless a significant and serious sleep problem.
Characterized by a tingling, crawling or prickling sensation in the legs and feet, restless legs syndrome sufferers experience an overwhelming desire to move their legs in order to find relief. Many sufferers also find that the symptoms seem to worsen in the late afternoon and evening, especially when sitting or lying down.
Restless legs syndrome can also include instances of periodic limb movement (PLM), a condition characterized by the sudden, involuntary movement or twitching of the legs and feet – often to the extent that it disrupts sleep. It is the overwhelming desire to move the legs and the frequent presences of periodic limb movement that, in large part, earn restless legs syndrome its classification as a sleep disorder.
Chronic instances of restless legs syndrome make it virtually impossible for the sufferer to get to sleep, let alone stay asleep, thereby generating a related case of severe insomnia. If left untreated, the condition, and the resulting insomnia, can lead to severe physical and psychological health problems. In fact, restless legs syndrome is often associated with depression and irritability, as well as occupational, social and marital problems.
As with most common sleep disorders, diagnosing restless legs syndrome can take time and a proper diagnosis requires the attention of an experienced medical professional. Because some of the symptoms can be associated with other neuromuscular and sleep disorders, it is also important to undergo specialized sleep tests before a diagnosis is confirmed. These tests can include neurological evaluations, reflex tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as well as somnography (sleep pattern analysis).
Once the diagnosis has been established, the treatment and management of restless legs syndrome can include simple lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments and activities to promote a better night's sleep. Because the symptoms typically become more severe with fatigue or inactivity, maintaining a regular sleep schedule with a consistent bed time and waking time is extremely important. Likewise, regular exercise and limited caffeine and nicotine intake can also help limit the neurological stimulation that triggers restless legs symptoms.
Additional options for managing this condition, and other sleep disorders, include massage, yoga and guided meditation for relaxation (a good complement to regular exercise and planned activities for reducing the symptoms of restless legs syndrome) and the use of natural herbal remedies that can help train the body to adhere to a routine sleep cycle and induce a restful and restorative night's sleep.
Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders Help Me To Sleep Affiliates
About the Author
Donald Saunders is the author of a number of health related publications including:
"Help Me To Sleep - A Guide To Natural Sleep Remedies", "Jet Lag - An Alternative Approach", "Shift Work Insomnia" and "The Art of Meditation - A Guide To Meditation, Breathing and Relaxation Techniques"
For further details please visit Restless Legs Syndrome
Apnea Device News
Patient cannot tolerate sleep apnea mask - The Detroit News
Patient cannot tolerate sleep apnea mask The Detroit News Dear NM: "CPAP" stands for "continuous positive airway pressure," a device that imparts pressure on incoming air so it can bypass throat obstruction and reach the lungs. "Apnea" is a Greek word meaning "no breathing." With sleep apnea, people have ... |
Access to Provent Therapy Expanded to Veterans - Sleep Review
Access to Provent Therapy Expanded to Veterans Sleep Review United States military veterans now have the option to use Provent Sleep Apnea Therapy, a small, noninvasive nasal device for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The US Department of Veterans Affairs has granted a multiyear, federal supply ... |
Low-cost antisnoring device gains FDA clearance - DrBicuspid.com
Low-cost antisnoring device gains FDA clearance DrBicuspid.com By DrBicuspid Staff February 7, 2012 -- Apnea Sciences has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for a nonsurgical cure for snoring. SnoreRx is a patented device that provides the ease, low cost, and availability of "boil and bite" ... |
Sleep Well: Researchers pursue new treatment for sleep apnea - Arizona Daily Sun
Sleep Well: Researchers pursue new treatment for sleep apnea Arizona Daily Sun ROSENBERG: I have heard that there may be some type of implantable device being developed for the treatment of sleep apnea. Is this true? A: Yes, that is true. There are now clinical trials being performed in the United States for an implantable ... |
European Markets for Anesthesia, Respiratory and Sleep Apnea Devices 2011 - MarketWatch (press release)
European Markets for Anesthesia, Respiratory and Sleep Apnea Devices 2011 MarketWatch (press release) 31.4 ANESTHESIA DISPOSABLES MARKET ......... 41.5 VENTILATOR MARKET.......... 51.6 NEBULIZER MARKET . 61.7 RESPIRATORY DISPOSABLES MARKET ....... 71.8 THERAPEUTIC OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA DEVICE MARKET... 81.9 SLEEP DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE MARKET . |
FDA Approves Cure for Snoring -- SnoreRx, a Painless and Inexpensive Mouth ... - PR Web (press release)
FDA Approves Cure for Snoring -- SnoreRx, a Painless and Inexpensive Mouth ... PR Web (press release) Apnea Sciences Corporation breakthrough product meets the new Medicare Design Standards for only $99. SnoreRx saved my marriage, we both get a good night's sleep thanks to SnoreRx. The days of women suffering with their husband's snoring are finally ... |
Pathways to a good night's sleep - U-T San Diego
Pathways to a good night's sleep U-T San Diego Depending on the type and severity of your sleep apnea and your lifestyle, sleep specialists can offer several treatments. Although none of the approaches offers a permanent cure, they may help you get more restful sleep and reduce the risk of some ... New Treatment Can Help Veterans With Obstructive Sleep Apnea |