Restless legs syndrome is a troublesome disorder that affects your quality and quantity of sleep and can impact your ability to function normally during the day. While the causes aren't completely known, researchers suspect that it results from a combination of factors including an imbalance in your brain's production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Specific treatments that focus on increasing dopamine levels are often effective. Do not attempt to self diagnose your condition. Consult your doctor to discuss possible treatment options.
About Dopamine
Dopamine is a brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are responsible for signal communication among neurons in your brain. Sometimes, imbalances of these neurotransmitters occur, resulting in certain physical and psychological conditions such as restless legs syndrome, or RLS. Dopamine is responsible for promoting smooth muscle activity as well as communicating specific muscle-related messages in your brain. RLS is thought to occur, at least in some people, due to a deficiency of dopamine production, according to the Vein Center of North Texas.
Symptoms of RLS
RLS can cause a number of problematic symptoms while you're awake and while you sleep. Some of the common daytime symptoms include feeling a need to constantly move your legs and walk around, tingling sensations and feelings of discomfort including itchiness. These symptoms typically become worse at night, causing a significant impact on your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. RLS is often accompanied by a condition known as periodic limb movement disorder, a condition that causes cramping and jerking during sleep. While self-help techniques, such as stretching, regular exercise, avoiding caffeine and establishing a regular sleep routine, can help, medical treatments focusing on increasing dopamine levels can also provide relief.
Clinical Evidence
Certain medications that increase dopamine levels in your brain, such as benserazide, have traditionally been used to treat Parkinson's disease. However, some research has shown that these medications are also effective for RLS because they help to control twitching and other uncontrollable movements in your legs. A study published in the February 1987 issue of the journal, "Clinical Neuropharmacology," found that patients with RLS who were treated with benserazide, piribedil or bromocriptine, medications used to treat Parkinson's disease and increase dopamine levels, experienced significant reductions in periods of waking up and staying awake. Another study, published in the April 2004 issue of the journal, "Neurology," showed that patients with RLS who were treated with ropinirole, another medication used to increase dopamine production, had a significant improvement in their symptoms. Additionally, 8 out of 22 study participants experienced a complete remission of their symptoms while using this treatment.
Considerations
If you think you have RLS, do not attempt to self-diagnose your condition. Consult your doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis and discuss treatment options. While dopamine-enhancing drugs aren't effective for everyone, other medication options, including pain killers, sleep medications and anti-seizure medications, can also offer relief.
References
- Vein Center of North Texas: Restless Legs Syndrome
- Help Guide; Restless Legs Syndrome; June 2011
- "Clinical Neuropharmacology"; Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment with Dopaminergic Drugs; L. Akpinar; February 1987
- "Neurology"; Ropinirole for Restless Legs Syndrome: A Placebo-controlled Crossover Trial; C.H. Adler, et al; April 2004
