By Dawn Dorsey, Staff Writer
Getting a good night's sleep when you have cancer can be a challenge. In addition to treatment side effects and anxiety, a condition known as restless leg syndrome (RLS) gives some sleepers fits.
As many as one-tenth of adults are affected by RLS, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It's likely that figure is even higher among cancer patients.
What is RLS?
RLS, which happens most frequently at night when a person is at rest, causes a strong, undeniable urge to move the legs. Many people with RLS also have paresthesia, uncomfortable feelings deep in the legs that often are described as burning, tingling or prickling.
Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movements, in which muscles tighten, twitch or flex when they are resting. These movements may wake them or another person sleeping nearby.
RLS and its accompanying conditions are roadblocks to sleep quality and quantity, which is so important to the health of cancer patients. Among other dangers, sleep disruption may affect the immune system and endocrine (hormonal) function, since hormones are produced during certain levels of sleep.
Triggers are varied
RLS causes may include:
• Iron deficiency
• Medications including:
• Nonprescription allergy and cold medicine like Benadryl®
• Antidepressants like Elavil® and Prozac®
• Major tranquilizers like Haldol®, Mellaril®, Thorazine®
• Family history of RLS
Solutions depend on severity
For mild cases of RLS, try:
• Establishing a regular daytime exercise program
• Taking hot baths
• Getting leg massages
• Using a heating pad
• Avoiding alcohol
• Doing stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates late in the day
If your iron levels are low, talk to your doctor about oral or intravenous iron treatments.
More severe RLS may be treated with drugs including:
• Requip® (ropinirole) or other dopaminergic agents
• Benzodiazepines, such as Valium® or Xanax®
• Opiates, such as Vicodin®
If you experience RLS symptoms, tell your doctor or health care provider.
Related article:
Cancer Patients Need to Treat Sleep Disorders
Getting a good night's sleep when you have cancer can be a challenge. In addition to treatment side effects and anxiety, a condition known as restless leg syndrome (RLS) gives some sleepers fits.As many as one-tenth of adults are affected by RLS, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. It's likely that figure is even higher among cancer patients.
What is RLS?
RLS, which happens most frequently at night when a person is at rest, causes a strong, undeniable urge to move the legs. Many people with RLS also have paresthesia, uncomfortable feelings deep in the legs that often are described as burning, tingling or prickling.
Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movements, in which muscles tighten, twitch or flex when they are resting. These movements may wake them or another person sleeping nearby.
RLS and its accompanying conditions are roadblocks to sleep quality and quantity, which is so important to the health of cancer patients. Among other dangers, sleep disruption may affect the immune system and endocrine (hormonal) function, since hormones are produced during certain levels of sleep.
Triggers are varied
RLS causes may include:
• Iron deficiency
• Medications including:
• Nonprescription allergy and cold medicine like Benadryl®
• Antidepressants like Elavil® and Prozac®
• Major tranquilizers like Haldol®, Mellaril®, Thorazine®
• Family history of RLS
Solutions depend on severity
For mild cases of RLS, try:
• Establishing a regular daytime exercise program
• Taking hot baths
• Getting leg massages
• Using a heating pad
• Avoiding alcohol
• Doing stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates late in the day
If your iron levels are low, talk to your doctor about oral or intravenous iron treatments.
More severe RLS may be treated with drugs including:
• Requip® (ropinirole) or other dopaminergic agents
• Benzodiazepines, such as Valium® or Xanax®
• Opiates, such as Vicodin®
If you experience RLS symptoms, tell your doctor or health care provider.
Related article:
Cancer Patients Need to Treat Sleep Disorders
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