Restless Leg Syndrome
By Andrew Gaeddert
At least 12 million Americans suffer from restless leg syndrome (RLS), which causes abnormal sensations in the legs including painful throbbing and tingling, irresistible urge to move the legs, creeping sensations, and insomnia. Although RLS can occur during the day, the symptoms are usually more frequent shortly after going to bed. Symptoms may be triggered after stress or emotional upset. The sleep disturbances caused by the syndrome may lead to chronic daytime fatigue, depression and difficulty concentrating. Although RLS usually affects the legs, the feet and arms may also be affected.
Besides the array of “annoying” symptoms of RLS, research increasingly indicates that RLS-related problems can be quite severe. The results of a recent Harvard Medical School study were reported in the January 1, 2008, issue of Neurology, showed that people with RLS were more than twice as likely to have coronary artery disease (disease of the arteries of the heart) or cardiovascular disease (diseases of the heart and blood vessels, including those in the brain) as the general population. One possible reason is that hundreds of periodic leg movements per night result in simultaneous jumps in blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this may be responsible for the higher likelihood of heart attacks and strokes — and the more severe the symptoms, the higher the risk. RLS may occur more often in patients with peripheral neuropathy, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, pregnancy, or iron deficiency. SSRIs, Tofranil (imipramine), antinausea drugs, cold and allergy medicines, certain antipsychotic and antiseisure drugs can also aggravate symptoms. Getting up and moving the legs usually provides temporary relief. Avoiding alcohol, stimulants, and nicotine can also help. Stress reduction techniques such as exercise, warm baths, and massaging the legs can be very helpful. As RLS has been associated with low iron levels, testing and iron supplementation may be indicated.
AC-Q is an effective herbal formula for improving circulation and treating joint, muscle and nerve discomfort. AC-Q can also be prepared as a wash and administered topically to the part of the leg affected by RLS. For long term administration it is often combined with Flavonex for RLS clients who have poor circulation, or it can be combined with SPZM which works to calm spasming muscles which can also contribute to RLS. As a restful sleep is important, those suffering from leg discomfort might especially consider Griffonex 5-HTP prior to bed as Griffonex has a calming action and in research conducted at Stanford University suggests it significantly increases REM sleep, which is particularly important to people who have RLS.