Visit Us

Saginaw
4707 McLeod Street, Suite A
Saginaw, Michigan 48603
directions & map

West Branch
611 Court Street, Lower Level
West Branch, Michigan 48661
directions & map

Okemos
2525 Jolly Road, Suite 240
Okemos, Michigan 48864
directions & map

Petoskey
2230 East Mitchell Street, Suite A
PO Box 654
Petoskey, MI 49770
directions & map

Gaylord
1050 Ostego Ave
Gaylord, MI 49735
directions & map

Do You Have Restless Legs?

sleep disordersDo you often feel an urge to move your legs while sitting or lying in bed? Are you ever annoyed by a creeping or itching feeling in your legs? This can keep you from sleeping at night. You may then feel tired during the day. If you have these problems, please contact us to discuss setting up your sleep study. He or she can suggest a treatment plan and help you find ways to sleep better.

Restless Legs Syndrom (RLS)
RLS is a creeping, crawly, or jumpy feeling in the legs or sometimes the arms. Symptoms of RLS often occur when you sit or lie down at night. This discomfort can keep you from falling asleep. RLS is more common in older people and tends to run in families. Overuse of caffeine or alcohol may make symptoms worse. Iron deficiency, diabetes, or kidney problems can contribute to RLS. People with RLS also often have PLMS symptoms.

Periodic Limb Movement (PLMS)
PLMS is a sudden leg jerking during sleep. The person you sleep with is often the one who notices it. Your legs may jerk many times during the night. You and your partner may both have trouble sleeping and feel tired in the morning. PLMS shoulnd't be confused with normal leg or body twitching many people have first falling asleep.

What You Can Do

sleep disordersSymptoms of RLS and PLMS can be treated. Together, you and your health care provider can work on your treatment plan. If needed, medications may be prescribed. Also learn what you can do to ease your discomfort. Good sleep habits and a healthy lifestyle will help you rest better and have more energy during the day.

Working with Your Health Care Provider
Discuss your sleep problems with your health care provider. Be prepared to answer questions about your medical and family history. A lab test may be done to check the iron level in your blood. Low iron may cause some RLS symptoms. Your health care provider may suggest you have a sleep study to help diagnose PLMS. The your treatment plan can be discussed.

Tips for Temporary Relief
To reduce your discomfort, try the following:

  • Walking or stretching
  • Rubbing your legs
  • Having a massage
  • Doing activites that make muscles in your hands or legs work
  • Relaxing with yoga or meditation
  • Taking a hot or cold bath

Good Sleeping Habits
Even though you have RLS, you can still have restful sleep. Try these good sleeping habits:

  • Keep a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day
  • Avoid or limit naps.
  • Create a comfortable setting for sleep. Make sure the room is quiet, dark, and not too hot or cold
  • Use your bed only for sleep and sex.
  • Avoid or limit caffeine and nicotine. They can keep you awake at night. Also avoid alchohol. It may help you fall asleep at first, but your sleep will not be restful.

If Medications Are Needed
Your health care provider may prescribe medication to reduce your symptoms and help you sleep better. Some medications relieve pain. Others help relax muscles. If you have an iron deficiency, a supplement may be needed.

Healthy Lifestyle
Your lifestyle effects your health and your sleep. Here are some healthy habits:

  • Stress, anxiety or body tension may keep you awake at night. To reduce stress, do things you enjoy before bedtime. Find a way to relax that works for you. Try a warm bath, meditation, or yoga. Also try the following:
  • Eat a balanced diet. To get enough vitamins and minerals, you may also need to take supplements
  • Manage stress and learn ways to relax. Deep breathing techniques and visualization can help to relax your muscles and calm your mind.
  • Excercise regularly. It can help reduce stress. Also, you will have more energy during the day and be more tired at bedtime. Afternoon exercise is best. Nighttime exercise may affect your sleep.

Call us TODAY! We can diagnose and help you understand Restless Legs Syndrome.

Email Us at: info@michigansleep.com

Phone:  989-345-1000
Toll Free:  877-595-1090
Fax:  989-345-3163

© 2007 Sleep Diagnostics of Michigan. All Rights Reserved.