Have you ever had this experience?
Lying in bed and swiping the cell phone is happy, suddenly legs do not listen to the command. Like there are ants crawling, and like an electric shock, you have to shake twice to feel comfortable. This is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).
Don’t panic, let’s talk about it today: What causes restless leg syndrome?
Iron deficiency: a sign of leg hunger
The most classic cause of RLS is iron deficiency. Iron is an important ingredient in the production of dopamine, which is responsible for muscle movement. When iron deficiency occurs, the brain scrambles its commands, resulting in shaky legs.
Self-Check Tip:
Women (especially those with heavy periods) and vegetarians are susceptible to iron deficiency.
Take a blood test to check your Ferritin level, be alert if it is below 50μg/L. 2.
Caffeine: Late-night disco players
The cup of milk tea/coffee in the afternoon may be the culprit for the leg cramps in the middle of the night! Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, turning “quiet mode” into “vibration mode”.
Pregnancy: Baby’s “Add-On” Package
30% of pregnant women experience RLS, especially in late pregnancy. There are three reasons for this:
- Iron is absorbed by the fetus
- Hormones fluctuate like a roller coaster
- The stomach presses on the blood vessels and the blood supply to the legs is insufficient
The good news: it usually goes away after labor is over.
Hereditary: It runs in the family
If your parents have RLS, odds are you will too. Scientists have identified several related genes, such as MEIS1.
Sedentary/Standing
Sitting in the office all day? Poor blood circulation in your legs
Side effects of certain medications
The following medications may trigger RLS:
- Antidepressants (e.g. sertraline)
- Antiallergics (e.g. Benadryl)
- Antiemetics (e.g. Gastrodin)
Don’t stop taking your medication without authorization; see your doctor to adjust your regimen.
Chronic diseases
Patients with diabetes, kidney disease and Parkinson’s disease are more prone to RLS, which is a sign that the body is raising the yellow card: “Master, it’s time for a medical checkup!
How to improve
Eat these iron supplements: red meat, animal liver, spinach (with Vitamin C for better absorption)
Bedtime ritual: foot soak + calf stretching (works in 5 minutes)
Caffeine withdrawal: do not drink coffee/milk tea after 2:00 pm
Massage: Fascia Gun or Foam Shaft Rolling
Signal to Seek Medical Attention: More than 3 seizures per week? Get to a neurologist!
RLS is not a terminal illness and can be cured by finding the cause.