RLS is so closely
associated with sleep disorders that it is sometimes placed in the same
category as Insomnia. A good night’s sleep is vitally important for everybody.
It recharges a person’s battery and provides energy for all their daily
activities. A person suffering from RLS suffers from frequent disruptions of
sleep. While trying to sleep the feelings of itching, burning and crawling
start growing in the legs and a person is left with no choice but to get up and
move about. Although this may provide some temporary relief but the sensations
may return as soon as the person is in the bed.
The problem of sleep
deprivation interferes with the brain’s ability to process information. This
slows down the thought process and affects a person’s concentration and ability
to learn. This has a profound effect on their efficiency and task performance. In
severe cases this condition may result to industrial errors and vehicle
crashes. The lack of sleep can also have a negative effect on a person’s mood
and behavior. Such individuals are generally found to be easily irritated,
volatile, depressed and complaining of reduced libido.
One of the important
things that a patient of RLS must do is to make sleep a priority in life. It
has been observed that a regular sleep pattern can help in reducing
disruptions. Retiring to bed at a fixed time, putting in enough hours and then getting
up at a regular time is very important in ensuring good night’s sleep. For RLS
patients, it may also be advisable to change their sleep cycle so as to get up
late in the morning. It will be helpful to maintain a sleep diary, wherein a
record of diet, medication, sleep habits and disruptions can be maintained.
This dairy can help the doctor in making required changes to help you sleep
better.



