Daily precautions for restless leg syndrome

  Restless legs syndrome is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by unexplained discomfort in the lower extremities in a quiet state, especially during sleep at night, and sometimes other parts of the body are also involved. The symptoms of the disease often lead to difficulties in falling asleep, easy waking, early awakening, and can even wake the patient from sleep, which seriously affects the quality of sleep, thus affecting the patient’s work and life during the day, thus affecting the patient’s mood and state of mind. The disease is associated with dopamine system dysfunction, decreased iron content in the brain, and neurotransmitter disorders. Nowadays, the latest view is that dopamine agonists (including pramipexole, ropinirole, etc.) and gabapentin can be used for the treatment of the disease.  In addition to medication, patients with the disease can also take some measures in daily life to prevent or relieve symptoms.  1. Pay attention to sleep hygiene and regularity. For example, keep the sleep environment quiet and comfortable, go to sleep and get up on time, avoid watching stimulating programs and books before going to bed, avoid excessive sleep during the day, and form regular sleep habits.  2. Pay attention to a healthy lifestyle. Balanced diet, reduce caffeine intake, pay attention to quit smoking and alcohol.  3, appropriate exercise. Especially the exercise of the lower limbs, such as walking before bedtime, using fitness equipment, but pay attention to avoid overexertion during the day, because overexertion is likely to aggravate the symptoms.  4, improve blood circulation. Such as hot water soaking feet or hot bath before bed, massage legs, sleep feet and calves elevated to promote blood circulation can also help relieve symptoms.  5, keep a happy mood. As restless legs syndrome affects sleep and daytime activity energy, patients are prone to anxiety, irritability and other emotions, and emotions will in turn affect the symptoms, leading to a vicious circle, so it is important to keep a happy mood. If necessary, psychological counseling can be sought, especially for patients with more obvious emotional reactions.  6. Pay attention to avoid drugs that can cause deterioration of the disease, such as antihistamines, antiemetics (Gastrodia), cold medications, etc. It is recommended to inform the physician when combining other drugs.