What is Restless legs syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), is also called Willis-Ekbom Disease. It causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them.
Symptoms often occur in the evening and are most severe at night when you are resting, sitting or lying in bed. They may also occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods of time, for example when flying by aeroplane or watching a long movie. Because symptoms are most severe at night, it can become difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up.
RLS is classified as :
1. A sleep disorder – The symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep.
2. A movement disorder – People are forced to move their legs in order to relieve symptoms.
3. A neurological sensory disorder – It’s symptoms are produced from within the brain itself.
What are common signs and symptoms of restless legs?
– The irresistible urge to move – accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in their lower limbs unlike normal sensations experienced by people without the disorder.
– The sensations in the legs are often described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping. These sensations rarely affect the arms, the chest or head. Although these sensations can occur on just one side of the body, both sides are often affected, and can also alternate between sides and often range in severity from uncomfortable, to irritating to painful.
Restless legs syndrome fact sheet
What causes restless legs syndrome?
In most cases, the cause is unknown, however it has a genetic component and can be found in families where the onset of symptoms is before age 40. Other contributing factors include gene variants and low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS.
RLS also appears to be related to these conditions:
* end-stage renal disease and hemodialysis
* iron deficiency
* certain medications may aggravate RLS, such as antinausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants that increase serotonin and some cold and allergy medications that contain older antihistamines.
* use of alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine
* pregnancy, especially in the last trimester; in most cases, symptoms usually disappear within 4 weeks after delivery
* neuropathy (nerve damage).
How do weighted blankets help with Restless Leg Syndrome?
Heavier than regular blankets, PrettySpecial weighted blankets contain poly-pellets sewn into the blanket.
This extra weight provides Deep touch pressure, which is about gently applying pressure to the body to increase the release of serotonin, a chemical in the body that promotes relaxation.
Dopamine also plays a key part in movement and muscle control.
The Deep touch stimulation may help people with restless leg syndrome both relieve their restless legs and get better quality sleep.
One of our customers in particular experienced immediate relief after using her weighted blanket:
” Not only did I find that this blanket weighed me down so I couldn’t easily move my leg around or my feet to flop around … it also helps me fall asleep faster. Now I don’t even remember how I fell asleep, mind doesn’t wander, and if it does it’s not to a negative space. I have been using it for days now, really helps “
For more information simply email us directly to info@prettyspecial.co.za
OR to order you can go to our order page. We deliver directly to your door, anywhere in South Africa.