As soon as you put your head on the pillow, you suffer from tremors in your legs? Bad news: this neurological disorder is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations (tingling, tingling, burns). Here is all that you need to know about this affection that affects thousands of French.
Trents in the legs at bedtime: who is concerned?
According to the medical director of True Medical, almost 10% of the population is affected by this irrepressible need to move the legs (2-3% of which would be suffering from severe forms). An inconvenience, which occurs mainly at rest, “Especially in the evening and at night, disturbing sleep “underlines Dr Gérald Kierzek.
But what category of people is more likely to be affected?
“The tremors in the legs are more frequent in women, especially during the pregnancy“, confirms the emergency doctor. “This phenomenon is also common in people with iron deficiency, such as those with anemia or dialysis. Patients with diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or neuropathies are also concerned. Finally, a family predisposition is found in around 50 % of cases, suggesting a genetic origin “, he underlines.
How to explain these tremors?
Different causes can be the cause of tremors in the legs at bedtime.
- An iron deficiency (even without anemia, iron is essential for dopamine);
- Dopamine disruption (neurotransmitter controlling movements).
Some factors are also aggravating:
- Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco;
- Drugs (antidepressants, antihistamines);
- Stress, lack of sleep.
When to consult?
If the symptoms mentioned regularly disrupt your sleep (tingling, tingling, burns), consulting a healthcare professional is essential.
“”A consultation is also necessary in the presence of involuntary legs of the legs during the night, which can evoke a periodic disorder of the movements of the limbs. Finally, consult your doctor in case of iron deficiency or if you suffer from an associated disease (diabetes, renal failure))“, Recommends the medical expert.
Good to know: you can talk to your attending physician at first, but it is especially advisable to consult a sleep specialist or a sleep center.
What if these tremors do not pass?
To relieve restless legs syndrome (SJSR), certain natural approaches and good lifestyle can be beneficial.
- Iron supplementation (if deficiency confirmed by blood test);
- Magnesium (muscle relaxing) and vitamin B12;
- Hot baths or massages before bedtime;
- A moderate exercise (walking, yoga), but not too intense in the evening.
And of course, we avoid coffee, alcohol and tobacco in the evening.
Possible medical treatments
They are diverse and varied:
- Dopaminergic agonists (e.g. ropinirole, pramipexole): often used in first intention.
- Anti-epileptics (such as gabapentine or pregabalin): offered as an alternative.
- Light opioids: reserved for resistant forms, with strict medical surveillance.
“Also remember to improve your sleep routine, adopting soothing habits such as reading or meditation before bedtime. Be sure to sleep in a fresh and dark room, and remember to slightly raising your legs with a cushion “, concludes Dr Gérald Kierzek.