Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, can significantly disrupt your sleep and quality of life with uncontrollable, uncomfortable, or unpleasant sensations. At The Sleep Medicine Institute in Tampa, Florida, Lara Wittine, MD, FAASM, offers comprehensive, personalized care for RLS and other sleep disruptions. Start your journey to diagnosis and tailored treatment by scheduling your appointment online or calling the office today.
RLS is a condition that affects the nervous system, primarily during inactivity. You’re most likely to experience symptoms in your legs, but might also feel them in the arms or other parts of the body.
RLS is more common in middle-aged and older adults but affects people of all ages. It can occur on its own or result from other medical conditions or factors.
The hallmark symptoms of RLS include:
Some people with RLS may also experience Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS), where their legs involuntarily and repetitively jerk or twitch during sleep, which makes it even harder to rest.
Your treatment plan for RLS depends on your symptom severity, underlying causes, and the degree to which it interferes with your sleep and daily life. Dr. Wittine may recommend:
These strategies include improving your sleep hygiene by maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a restful environment, which can help reduce symptom severity. Moderate exercise can be beneficial, but excessive or vigorous activity may worsen symptoms.
Leg massages, hot or cold packs, or warm baths before bedtime may provide relief, and it’s also a good idea to reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco. If you enjoy yoga or have other relaxation strategies you’d like to try, moderate exercise can support your other treatments.
If you have an iron deficiency, Dr. Wittine can help you find a safe and effective supplement dose.
If you have moderate to severe symptoms that aren’t responding to lifestyle changes, Dr. Wittine may prescribe medications, but careful monitoring and dose adjustments are essential.
If RLS is disrupting your sleep and causing discomfort, call The Sleep Medicine Institute right away to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. You can get in touch via the website or call the office to get started.