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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Can Restless Legs Syndrome be prevented?

    Related Topics
    Neurology Restless Legs Syndrome
    • 2 answers
    • Kirsty Woods
    • Sleep Health Foundation
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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    The causes of RLS are poorly understood however it is belived to involve a malfunctioning of the nervouse system. The causes of RLS are poorly understood however it is believed to involve a malfunctioning of the nervous system. 

    Reducing stimulants (nicotine, caffeine), magnesium supplementation and treating specific cause (such as anaemia, diabetes) can help reduce/eliminate symptoms. There are also some medications available as a last resort.

    It is best to talk to your doctor about your RLS

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  • Sleep Health Foundation

    The Sleep Health Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of ‘valuing sleep’ as part of a healthy lifestyle alongside regular exercise, a … View Profile

    40 - 60% of people with restless legs have a family history of it, which suggests a genetic predisposition. However there are factors that trigger and worsen the symptoms of restless leg ( and the accompanying condition of periodic limb movement disorder). Avoidance of these “trigger factors” can reduce and prevent restless leg.
    The most important factors are : Iron deficiency (the most important), certain medications such as olanzepine,lithium, almost all antidepressants (mirtazapine being a powerful trigger). In patients with Parkinson disease levodopa can trigger restless leg, although dopa medications  are used in the treatment of restless leg. Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepine (diazepam type of medications) can also trigger restless leg. High level of estrogen like in pregnancy can worsen restless leg but this resolve after  birth. Treatment and prevention during pregnancy is difficult but iron supplement may help. for more information please click here.

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