RLS is differentiated from other sleep disorders by rather unpleasant sensations in the legs, combined with an irrepressible urge to move alleviate these feelings, although this generally does not provide relief. Many suffers report that that these sensations feel like tugging, burning and creeping on the skin, as well as the actual feeling of insects crawling inside the legs. The one distinguishing aspect of this disorder is that is exacerbated when suffers are at rest. For instance, this sensation may begin when the individual lies down to read or go to sleep. This condition may significantly reduce the sufferer’s quality and quantity of sleep.

Unfortunately, researchers have not discovered why RLS develops. They do know that hereditary plays a role in some cases, because a family history of RLS is usually present in 50% of individuals who have this condition. There are some other commonalties present in some suffers. Some individuals have anemia or low blood iron counts; research has shown RLS disappears when these conditions are alleviated.

Those with a history of diabetes, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy often report symptoms of RLS, as do those who are pregnant. In those who are pregnant, it has been shown that the symptoms of RLS typically disappear 4 weeks after giving birth. Certain drugs, such as anti-seizure drugs, anti-nausea drugs and antipsychotic drugs have also been known to cause RLS as a side effect.

Managing RLS usually begins when an individual meets with his or her health care provider to ascertain if there are any underlying causes, such as medication or physical conditions. If those options are exhausted, other possibilities are explored. Some suffers will reduce their intake of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco; while others will increase their intake of supplements that contain iron, foliate and magnesium to help reduce symptoms. Others try ice packs, heating pads and massage to reduce the symptoms.

Health care providers will sometimes suggest prescription medications to treat these symptoms. These typically use benzodiazepines, opioids, dopaminergics, and anticonvulsants. However, this process may be hit and miss because no one drug or combinations of drugs have been proven effective in everyone, which can be a frustrating process for suffers.

• Medical intervention available
• Lifestyle changes may sometimes alleviate symptoms

• Can significantly reduce sleep
• Some individuals suffer sleep deprivation
• Prescription medication may not guarantee success for all

RLS is condition that belongs to a class of sleep disorders called parasomnia, a category that also includes conditions such as teeth grinding, sleep walking, sleep sex and sleep eating, as well as other conditions. RLS is clearly a traumatic condition that can seriously impede the quality of life for suffers. Luckily, there are treatments available for this problem; however, not everyone who has trouble resting at night has RLS.

We have seen many individuals who suffer from sleeplessness turn to holistic supplementation to promote deep, restful sleep. We usually suggest consumers look for a quality herbal sedative, such as Lemon Balm Extract, which is one of the most effective sleep aids currently available on the market. Lemon Balm is so effective that when it was studied as a method to calm individuals with Alzheimer’s, it successfully allowed them to relax. Also, products that contain the patented ingredient Cysteine Milk Peptide®, as well as Melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone, and Hops Extract, an all natural element, have been proven to induce quality sleep.