Family Health Magazine - Winter 2006 - Saint Barnabas Medical Center

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Family Health Magazine - Winter 2006

Physician researchers at The Kazmir Center for Sleep Disorders at Saint Barnabas Medical Center are embarking on a study of a common sleep disorder which affects 9 to 15 percent of the general population. The debilitating condition, known as Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) or Periodic Leg Movement Syndrome, often causes sleep deprivation, loss of productivity and, in some cases, loss of time at work as a result of persistent weariness. Many people have a mild form of the disorder, but RLS severely affects the lives of millions of individuals.

The Kazmir Center is currently seeking participants for the study who are experiencing the symptoms of RLS. Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs usually accompanied by uncomfortable or unpleasant sensations in the legs. The sensations:

occur during periods of inactivity;
become more severe in the evening and at night;
are temporarily relieved by movement of the legs, but recur after the limbs are still;
may cause involuntary jerking of the limbs during sleep and sometimes during wakefulness;
often cause difficulty falling or remaining asleep, and therefore cause sleep deprivation.

If the kicking continues during sleep, it can also deprive the bed partner of restful sleep. Those exhibiting RLS can benefit from evaluation to determine the cause of the condition, which can vary from iron deficiency to a condition that requires medications.

If you believe you suffer from RLS and are interested in learning more about the study, please call The Kazmir Center for Sleep Disorders at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, part of the Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, at (973)-322-6600. If patients meet the criteria for the study, further evaluation and management is free of charge and strictly confidential.

The Kazmir Center for Sleep Disorders offers a full range of services used in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of sleeprelated disorders in adults and children. The Center is equipped with the latest in monitoring technology, providing the opportunity for daytime testing and full overnight sleep studies.

More Facts about RLS*:

On May 5, 2005, the FDA approved the first ever drug for treatment of restless legs syndrome: ropinirole (Requip).
The use of caffeine often intensifies RLS symptoms. Caffeine-containing products, including chocolate and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks should be avoided. The consumption of alcohol also increases the span or intensity of symptoms for most individuals.
People with RLS suffer from underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis.
Self-directed activities that counteract sensations of RLS appear to be effective, although temporary, solutions to managing the disorder. Walking, stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massaging the affected limb, applying hot or cold packs, using vibration, performing acupressure, and practicing relaxation techniques (such as biofeedback, meditation, or yoga) may help reduce or relieve symptoms.
Keeping your mind actively engaged through activities such as reading a gripping novel, performing intricate needlework, or playing video games may help during times that you must stay seated, such as when you are traveling.

*from the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation website

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