I experience an uncomfortable feeling in my feet and legs lying in bed, which briefly improves when I wiggle them. This causes difficulty falling asleep. My 14-year-old daughter has a similar problem and I notice her kicking during the night. I think we have RLS. What can we do?
H Texas Magazine, May 2009

Your description is typical of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The restless sensation (like a static feeling from the nerves) can make falling asleep difficult. The associated leg twitching during sleep can result in brief awakenings making you feel fatigued and un-rested in the morning. The most appropriate medications for treating this condition increase dopamine activity within certain parts of the central nervous system. This, in essence, filters out the static sensations. Sedating or numbing medications are not recommended as a first line therapy in treating this condition. RLS can be passed on genetically and occur in family members, but other causes such nerve damage can also be a factor. Iron deficiency can also cause RLS because the brain needs iron to produce dopamine. RLS can also contribute to ADHD symptoms. Properly diagnosing and treating RLS in adults or children can result in improved sleep and daytime functioning. Visit www. HoustonSleep.Net for more information.