Ive done lunges in the galley of an airplane.
Ive paced back and forth on video conference calls in my home office.
Ive sobbed at night, hours past my planned bedtime, desperate for anything to make it stop.
For those whove never experienced RLS, it may be easy to dismiss what sounds like an exaggerated condition.
Its not life-threatening like heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, after all.
Ive often felt frustrated by the disparate reactions Ive gotten when telling someone I have RLS.
double-board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of ReLACS Health sleep clinic
While most people experience symptoms in the evening, extensive travel or sleep changes can shift the timing.
The lack of awareness and education creates a perception that RLS is not a real medical condition.
Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN
Why dont some doctors take RLS seriously?
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Dr. Zak also points to a 2024 study inCNS Drugs1supporting the therapeutic efficacy of an insomnia drug called suvorexant.
Dr. Winkelman says he also sometimes prescribes iron infusions for his patients with RLS.
Instead, many professionals will check blood iron levels, as thats the closest test available.
Opioids have been specified as a last-line of defense for those with severe RLS symptoms.
Dr. Winkelman established a nationalRLS opioid registrywith over 500 participants to track whether very low doses indicated relief.
double-board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist and founder of ReLACS Health sleep clinic
The unit is FDA-approved and requires a prescription from your doctor.
Its not yet widely available, but many in the RLS community are hopeful about the devices potential.
He also recommends downloading a copy of the2024 AASM draft guidelinesand bringing it to your doctor for discussion.
The most powerful tool Ive used on my quest for RLS relief was knowledge.
And for people with RLS, validation alone can be an empowering tool on the road to effective relief.
Finally, prominent leaders in the RLS community are also working to increase providers ability to treat it.
So change may be on the horizon.
2024 Jan;38(1):45-54. doi: 10.1007/s40263-023-01055-y.
Epub 2024 Jan 21.
J Clin Sleep Med.
2024 Sep 26. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.11390.
Epub ahead of print.
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