Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes an unpleasant prickling or tingling in the legs, especially in the calves, that is relieved by moving or massaging them.

This sensation creates a need to stretch or move the legs to get rid of these uncomfortable or painful feelings. As a result, a person may have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

One or both legs may be affected. In some people, the sensations are also felt in the arms. These sensations can also occur with lying down or sitting for prolonged periods of time, such as while at a desk, riding in a car, or watching a movie.

Many people who have RLS also have brief limb movements during sleep, often with abrupt onset, occurring every 5-90 seconds.

This condition, known as periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS), can repeatedly awaken people who have RLS and reduce their total sleep time.

Some people have PLMS but have no abnormal sensations in their legs while awake.

RLS affects 5-15 percent of Americans, and its prevalence increases with age. RLS occurs more often in women than men. One study found that RLS accounted for one-third of the insomnia seen in patients older than age 60.

RLS is a treatable but not curable condition. Dramatic improvements are seen quickly when patients are given dopamine-like drugs.

Alternatively, people who have milder cases may be treated successfully with sedatives or by behavioral strategies. These strategies include stretching, taking a hot bath, or massaging the legs before bedtime. Avoiding caffeinated beverages can also help reduce symptoms.

Break free from RLS symptoms. You don't have to suffer any longer.

Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

Bruxism is when you clench or grind your teeth.

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth during sleep from time to time. This occasional teeth grinding does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis, the teeth can be damaged and other complications can arise.

Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. This can wear down your teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together, especially the back teeth. Clenching puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw.

This can lead to jaw pain and soreness, headaches, earaches, damaged teeth, and other problems. Bruxism is usually done subconsciously. The causes of bruxism are not really known, but several factors may be involved. Stressful situations, an abnormal bite, and crooked or missing teeth appear to contribute the most.Bruxism can usually be prevented with the use of a mouth guard. The mouth guard, supplied by a dentist, can fit over the teeth to prevent teeth from grinding against each other.Stress reduction and other lifestyle changes, including avoiding alcohol and caffeine, may also be helpful.

Because teeth grinding or bruxism often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, if you often wake up with a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw, there is a good chance you are grinding your teeth at night. Many times people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to your dentist. He or she can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth.

Do You Have A Sleep Disorder?

Look over this list of common signs of a sleep disorder, and talk to your doctor if you have any of them:

• It takes you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep at night.
• You wake up often during the night and then have trouble falling back to sleep again.
• You wake up too early in the morning.
• You spend 7 or 8 hours or more sleep at night but often don't feel well rested.
• You are sleepy during the day and fall asleep within 5 minutes if you have a chance to nap, or you fall asleep at inappropriate times during the day.
• Your bed partner claims you snore loudly, snort, gasp, or make choking sounds while you sleep, or your partner notices your breathing stops for short periods.
• You have creeping, tingling, or crawling feelings in your legs that are relieved by moving or massaging them, especially in the evening and when you try to fall asleep.
• You have vivid, dreamlike experiences while falling asleep or dozing.
• You have episodes of sudden muscle weakness when you are angry, fearful, or when you laugh.
• You feel like you can't move when you first wake up.
• Your bed partner tells you that your legs or arms jerk often during sleep.
• You regularly need to use stimulants to stay awake during the day.

Also keep in mind that, although children can show some of these same signs of a sleep disorder, they often don't show signs of excessive daytime sleepiness.Instead, they may seem overactive and have difficulty focusing and concentrating. They also may have problems in school.
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