Weighted Blankets Used For Restless Leg Syndrome Relief
Copyright 01.10.2010
If you find that strange sensations in your legs keep you from sleeping or
cause you to jump up and move around to relieve the discomfort, you may have
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). RLS is a central nervous system disorder that
can interfere with resting or falling asleep.
Various treatments help with RLS. For some people, self-help tips decrease
the discomfort, and for others, more treatment is necessary. Regardless, you
can find relief.
Common Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Irritating sensations
Sensations can be painful or just uncomfortable and are often described as a
general urge to move the legs (or other affected limbs).
Urge to move
Getting up and moving around seems to relieve discomfort.
Evenings and nighttime are worse
Discomfort tends to increase during the evening or night.
Rest or stillness brings on the symptoms
Sitting or lying down seem to trigger the restlessness in the legs.
Visible movements in toes or feet
Your feet or toes may move slightly or jerk when you are sitting still or
resting.
Children and RLS
Many people diagnosed as adults with Restless Legs Syndrome look back upon
childhood hyperactivity or “growing pains” and realize that these were
actually symptoms of RLS. Sometimes a child is misdiagnosed with Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, when the true diagnosis is Restless Legs
Syndrome.
Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless Legs Syndrome is a central nervous system disorder (a disorder
based in the brain or spinal column). It may have a genetic basis (meaning
it sometimes runs in families), or be related to an imbalance of dopamine in
the brain. Levels of dopamine, a brain chemical that affects movement,
naturally fall at night, which could be why RLS symptoms often get worse
late in the day and at night. Additionally, iron is important to the
production of dopamine, which may explain why low iron levels are often
linked to RLS symptoms. Deep pressure has been shown to increase dopamine
levels. DreamCatcher Weighted Blankets supply deep pressure which may
help in increasing those levels.
Psychiatric conditions or stress may exacerbate RLS, but they do not cause
RLS.
Self-help tips for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
A weighted blanket has been proven as a valuable tool
for Restless Leg Syndrome sufferers. At DreamCatcher's, we have learned over
several years of experience, that weight needs to be distributed in
a different manner to give
those suffering from RLS the highest degree of comfort. DreamCatcher Weighted
Blankets meets those needs in our RLS blanket design.
Contact DreamCatcher's at
www.weightedblanket.net, email
dreamcatcher@weightedblanket.net or call
406-777-2267 for further information. More helpful tips include:
During the day
* Exercise regularly.
* Wrap your legs in ace bandages, or wear compression stockings or tight
pantyhose. When relaxing or watching TV try covering with a DreamCatcher
weighted blanket.
* Take iron supplements for low iron levels. Be sure to get tested first.
* Stand up – Elevate your desk or stand at work if possible.
* Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco use, particularly in the evenings.
These substances often increase symptoms.
* Keep a regular sleep schedule.
* Pace, walk, or jog for a few minutes to relieve discomfort.
At Bedtime
* Stretch your legs, do knee bends, or rotate your ankles.
* Massage your legs.
* Relax with meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
* Apply heat or cold. Take a bath or soak your feet in hot water, briefly
use a heating pad or cold compresses, or apply a hot water bottle.
* Lie on your side with a pillow between your knees to initiate sleep. Sleep
with a DreamCatcher weighted blanket.
* Get up – Fighting the urge to move might make the feelings worse.