Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome

Itching In The Legs

An individual who experiences itching in the legs at certain times of the day may be affected by restless leg syndrome. Itching in the skin is also commonly referred to as pruritis in the medical community. In healthy individuals, itching in the legs tends to occur more often at night for several reasons. An individual's skin loses more water, releases more cytokines, and secretes more histamine when they are at rest, which can cause itchiness. Restless leg syndrome patients may have a heightened awareness of itchy feelings at night because of the presence of other symptoms of their disorder. Individuals affected by restless legs syndrome are thought to have reduced amounts of a neurotransmitter referred to as dopamine, which helps regulate the movements of smooth muscles around the body. A deficiency of dopamine can make an individual more susceptible to involuntary movements. Itching in the legs of those with restless leg syndrome is a common manifestation in patients who have other associated conditions, like neuropathy, kidney failure, and diabetes.

Disrupted Sleep

Some individuals who have restless leg syndrome tend to have problems with falling asleep at night initially because of the abnormal sensations in their legs that produce the irresistible urge to move. Others tend to have more of an issue with staying asleep once they have fallen asleep because of the uncomfortable sensations in their legs. Restless leg syndrome patients have less efficient sleep and lower overall duration of restful sleep. Disrupted sleep in an individual can cause them to experience difficulty during their everyday activities and tasks due to reduced functioning. Disrupted sleep from restless leg syndrome symptoms can also put patients at a higher risk of immunity problems because sleep is so essential to the functionality of the immune system. Individuals affected by restless leg syndrome who have difficulty with sleeping tend to nap more during the day and report feeling consistently sleepy during daytime hours. The circadian nature of restless leg syndrome is what causes disrupted sleep.