Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a disorder that causes sufferers to experience a strong urge to move their legs in order to relieve distressing sensations described as burning, tingling, crawling and itching. RLS is often worse in the evening during relaxation, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). RLS can have a significant impact on the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Pregnancy-Related Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy are related to an increased risk for restless legs syndrome, reports the February 2009 issue of Science Daily. Women in the last trimester of pregnancy report the highest incidence of restless legs syndrome symptoms. However, after delivery, symptoms usually improve or resolve completely. Restless legs syndrome affects up to 19 percent of pregnant women, according to the journal American Family Physician.
Iron Deficiency
Iron is linked to some cases of restless legs syndrome, says the NHLBI. The faulty use or lack of iron by the brain is believed to cause symptoms of RLS because the brain uses iron to make dopamine, a brain chemical that controls movement. Disorders that commonly produce a deficiency in iron, such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, increase the risk for restless legs syndrome. Studies have shown an increase in symptoms of RLS with reduced iron stores, indicated by a reduced serum ferritin level in the blood. This can occur without symptoms of anemia, according to the journal American Family Physician.
Heredity
Primary restless leg syndrome is not related to any underlying disorder. It tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic cause, according to American Family Physician. The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation reports that researchers found evidence of a gene variation that may be the main contributing factor to the development of RLS. The researchers emphasize that having this genetic variation does not mean that restless legs syndrome will definitely develop. Environmental, medical and other genetic factors may be needed to cause the development of symptoms.
Medications
Some drugs may cause the onset or worsening of symptoms of RLS. Certain antidepressants, lithium, antihistamines, anti-nausea medicines, and calcium channel blockers used to treat high blood pressure are related to restless legs syndrome symptoms. Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco can also trigger or increase symptoms, says the NHLBI.
References
- Science Daily: Pregnancy-Related Hormonal Changes Linked To Increased Risk Of Restless Legs Syndrome
- National Heart Lung and Blood Disease: What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Restless Legs Syndrome: Detection and Management in Primary Care
- Renal & Urology News: Study: RLS Common in CKD Patients
- Restless Legs syndrome Foundation: Gene Variant For Restless Legs Syndrome Discovered ...
