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Restless Leg Syndrome Specialist

Synaptrx Sleep Our Services Restless Leg Syndrome

Synaptrx Sleep

Sleep Medicine Specialists & Pulmonary Medicine located in St. Paul, MN & West St. Paul, MN

There are many health conditions that affect your ability to get a good night’s rest, including restless legs syndrome. At Synaptrx Sleep in St. Paul, Minnesota, Jagdeep Bijwadia, MD, and the team provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment for restless legs syndrome to improve your sleep and quality of life. Call the office and speak with a friendly staff member or book an appointment online today. Synaptrx Sleep also offers virtual consultations.

Restless Leg Syndrome Q&A

What is restless legs syndrome?

With restless legs syndrome, you feel an uncomfortable sensation in your legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them to relieve the sensation. The discomfort in the legs usually occurs when you’re relaxing and symptoms tend to worsen during sleep. 

Restless legs syndrome affects 7 to 10% of people in the United States. It may start at any age, but severe symptoms generally develop during middle age.

Though researchers are still trying to understand what causes restless legs syndrome, it’s theorized that the sensation and movement may occur due to an imbalance in dopamine levels in the brain.

Certain medical conditions may also lead to restless legs syndrome, including iron deficiency, pregnancy, and kidney failure.  

What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

The primary symptom of restless legs syndrome is the irresistible urge to move your legs. The urge is usually preceded by an uncomfortable sensation that’s often described as burning, throbbing, pulling, itching, or creeping.

The sensations and leg movements are more severe at night during sleep but improve in the early morning hours. These symptoms may make it hard for you to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia. 

The effects your restless legs syndrome has on your sleep may cause moodiness, irritability, and daytime sleepiness. 

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

When you visit Synaptrx Sleep for a restless legs syndrome consultation, the team conducts an in-depth clinical exam to provide an accurate diagnosis. 

There’s no single test that can diagnose the condition, and the team uses various diagnostics to fully understand your health and your condition. 

During your evaluation, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, sleep habits, medical history, and family history. They perform a physical and neurological exam and run lab tests to confirm or rule out the cause of your restless legs syndrome.

The sleep experts may also request a sleep study to confirm or rule out other sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Synaptrx Sleep uses the NightOwl® by Ectosense for at-home sleep studies.  

How is restless legs syndrome treated?

The team at Synaptrx Sleep develops individualized treatment plans for restless legs syndrome based on the underlying cause of your condition, the severity of your symptoms, and your personal preferences.

Treatment may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Medications to increase dopamine levels in your brain
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Establishing a healthy sleep routine
  • Regular exercise

The team may also focus treatment on the root cause of your restless legs syndrome, such as iron supplements to address deficiencies.

For expert care of your restless legs syndrome, call Synaptrx Sleep or book online today.

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