How to Talk to Your Doctor About Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) has recently come to the forefront of medicine as a legitimate disorder, even though its cause is unknown. While the symptoms often accompany other diseases, it is often a stand-alone symptomatic problem. RLS is estimated to affect between 3 and 10 percent of the population of the United States (depending on the source of statistics).

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen
• Notepad

1. Document symptoms in relation to time and activity. Keeping a log of the time of day when each symptom is experienced will give crucial information to your doctor. Also, include what you were doing at the time and what you did to relieve the symptoms.
2. Keep a diary of your exercise routine. This helps the doctor know how much fitness plays into the possibility of restless leg syndrome symptoms.
3. Talk to your sleeping partner to determine if you have leg jerking or kicking that disturbs her sleep. If so, find out how many times a night she is awakened by your movements.
4. Talk to your doctor about your daytime fatigue and lack of ability to concentrate. This can be a result of sleep deprivation caused by restless leg syndrome.
5. Ask your doctor about methods to control the symptoms of RLS such as prescription medications. Talk openly about your concerns over possible side effects from medications such as opioids, dopamine agonists or benzodiazepines.
6. Read the latest on clinical trials and talk to your doctor about possible participation.
7. Ask about treatment options such as massage, exercise, warm baths and iron supplements. Many RLS sufferers claim great benefits from relaxation methods such as yoga and other meditation practices.
8. Explain to your doctor how the jerking at night is affecting your sleep and your bed partner's sleep. This disorder can cause problems with relationships.
9. Check with other family members to determine if anyone else in your family has symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Research supports the theory that RLS tends to have a genetic component.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk openly with your doctor about your concerns. Much help is available for controlling the symptoms when your doctor knows all the facts.

Who Can Help: