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Researchers discover link between common sleep disorder and high blood pressure
June 13, 2007An international team of researchers, led by Emory University clinician scientists, has found evidence that people suffering from moderate to severe cases of restless legs syndrome (RLS) are at significantly increased risk for developing hypertension.
RLS, a common and debilitating sleep disorder, adversely affects the lives of tens of millions of people worldwide. The study findings were conducted by scientists at Emory University with colleagues at deCODE Genetics, Inc., an Icelandic genomics company, and Icelandic physicians at Landspitali in Reykjavik.
The findings will be presented June 12th at the 21st Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies in Minneapolis, Minn.
RLS is a condition that produces an intense, often irresistible urge to move the legs because of creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensations. RLS affects approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population, causing considerable discomfort, insomnia and sleep disruption in people of all ages. Symptoms can occur when people are awake or asleep.
David Rye, MD, PhD, professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, director of the Emory Program in Sleep and lead author of the study, says the association between RLS and increased risk for high blood pressure was confirmed with the new study.
"Our results confirm and extend accumulating evidence that periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMs) seen in most RLS patients are associated with increased release of adrenaline," says Dr. Rye.
"Of greatest import, these findings suggest that the clinical significance of PLMs extends beyond sleep disruption and sleepiness," he says. "Our findings indicate that in addition to treating RLS symptoms, effective treatments may also need to target PLMs, particularly in patients at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (e.g., those with strong family histories of premature cardiovascular disease, smoking, etc.).
Emory University
RLS is a condition that produces an intense, often irresistible urge to move the legs because of creeping, crawling, tingling or burning sensations. RLS affects approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population, causing considerable discomfort, insomnia and sleep disruption in people of all ages. Symptoms can occur when people are awake or asleep.
David Rye, MD, PhD, professor of neurology at Emory University School of Medicine, director of the Emory Program in Sleep and lead author of the study, says the association between RLS and increased risk for high blood pressure was confirmed with the new study.
"Our results confirm and extend accumulating evidence that periodic leg movements of sleep (PLMs) seen in most RLS patients are associated with increased release of adrenaline," says Dr. Rye.
"Of greatest import, these findings suggest that the clinical significance of PLMs extends beyond sleep disruption and sleepiness," he says. "Our findings indicate that in addition to treating RLS symptoms, effective treatments may also need to target PLMs, particularly in patients at high-risk for cardiovascular disease (e.g., those with strong family histories of premature cardiovascular disease, smoking, etc.).
Emory University
Restless Legs Syndrome Current Events and Restless Legs Syndrome News RSSSeizure drug enhances sleep for women with hot flashes
Gabapentin, a drug initially used to treat seizures, improves sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes, University of Rochester Medical Center researchers report online and in the September issue of the Journal of Women's Health.
Mayo Clinic researchers find first potential pathogenic mutation for restless legs syndrome
An international team of researchers led by scientists at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida have found what they believe is the first mutated gene linked to restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic disorder.
ADHD genes found, known to play roles in neurodevelopment
Pediatric researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in children without ADHD.
Snoring pregnant women at higher risk for gestational diabetes
If you are pregnant and your mate complains your frequent snoring is rattling the bedroom windows, you may have bigger problems than an annoyed, sleep-deprived partner.
Mayo Clinic Researchers Suspect a Novel Gene is Causing Restless Legs Syndrome in a Large Family
In 2005, a woman who had trouble sleeping asked Siong-Chi Lin, M.D., for help. Dr. Lin, a sleep disorders specialist at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida, diagnosed restless legs syndrome.
Pregnancy-related hormonal changes linked to increased risk of restless legs syndrome
A study in the Feb. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that the elevation in estradiol levels that occurs during pregnancy is more pronounced in pregnant women with restless legs syndrome (RLS) than in controls.
JCSM: A single subjective question can be an effective sleepiness screening tool
A single subjective (SS) question may be an effective screening tool for excessive daytime sleepiness, according to a study published in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM).
AASM statement on use of sleep medications
Insomnia occurs when people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and it is a common sleep compliant. While a brief case of insomnia can arise due to temporary stress, excitement or other emotion, more than 20 million Americans report having a chronic form of insomnia that keeps them from sleeping well nearly every night.
Restless legs syndrome doubles risk of stroke and heart disease
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart disease compared to people without RLS, and the risk is greatest in those with the most frequent and severe symptoms.
Altered sex hormone levels, higher body temp affects sleep quality in postmenopausal women
In an examination of potential relationships between objective sleep measures, nocturnal sex hormone levels, and the nocturnal course of body temperature of older postmenopausal women.
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Restless Legs Syndrome: Coping with Your Sleepless Nights (American Academy of Neurology) by M.D. Mark J. Buchfuhrer (Author), M.D. Wayne A. Hening Ph.D (Author), M.D. Clete A. Kushida Ph.D (Author) The hallmark of the neurologic disorder RLS is an irresistible urge to move, most commonly at night. Symptoms vary in severity and can result in sleeplessness, fatigue, and impaired function, and can affect families and relationships as well. Written by leaders in this field and sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, Restless Legs Syndrome explains what is known about RLS, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Specific chapters cover treatments, including drug and non-pharmalogic therapy, RLS in children, lifestyle changes, resources, and more. |
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Restless Legs Syndrome: Relief and Hope for Sleepless Victims of a Hidden Epidemic by Robert Yoakum (Author) Within these pages is the promise of a long-awaited good night's rest. For decades, millions of people have experienced the irresistible urge to move their legs without understanding why. These disagreeable leg sensations get worse with inactivity, making sitting still and sleep painful and sometimes impossible. If you hold this book, you or someone you love has most likely lived with this constant discomfort, this agitated inability to rest -- restless legs syndrome. You are not alone. According to the American Medical Association, 10 to 15 percent of adult Americans have the neurological disorder known as restless legs syndrome. This underdiagnosed and treatable condition can completely overwhelm a person's life, causing stress, sleep deprivation, career difficulties, and... |
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Coping with Restless Leg Syndrome (Home Use) Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Millions of men, women and children with a condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome - or RLS - experience irresistible and unpleasant urges to move their legs. The disorder often disrupts their sleep, creating a domino effect that severely impacts work, relationships and health. But, as we see in this program, lifestyle changes and medications can help many people cope with RLS. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
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Restless Legs Syndrome: The RLS Rebel's Survival Guide by Jill Gunzel (Author) Do you feel an irresistible urge to move when you need to be still? Do you call the urges heebee jeebees, ants crawling under your skin, spider webs on your legs, electric feelings, growing pains, or crazy legs? If so, you may be an RLSer (a person who has Restless Legs Syndrome). If you want to be still through movies, long plane rides, hospital stays, or long days of working at your desk, read Restless Legs Syndrome: The RLS Rebel's Survival Guide. You will learn to organize and develop effective ways to: Fight the "beast of RLS" Decrease the severity of your RLS Prevent RLS attacks Develop a Bag of Tricks Approach Develop team work with your doctor Help children who have RLS Communicate with RLS supporters. |
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Native Remedies LegCalm for Limb Health and Peaceful Nights by Native Remedies LegCalm is a 100% natural, safe and proven compound remedy with herbal and homeopathic ingredients for calm, rested limbs during sleep. LegCalm helps maintain circulatory health and normal, restful sleep with peaceful limbs throughout the night. LegCalm is a 100% safe and effective natural remedy for treating Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement. Presented in convenient capsule form, regular use can help to relieve the symptoms of these troublesome sleep disorders as well as address the underlying causes. Use LegCalm to treat Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and reduce Periodic Limb Movement (PLM); eliminate the crawling and uncomfortable sensations experienced in RLS; prevent night-time twitching, restlessness and muscle spasms; promote more restful and uninterrupted sleep;... |
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MagniLife Restless Legs Syndrome Cream by CloseoutZone Get welcome relief from the cramps, twitches, and spasms of restless leg syndrome with our Restless Leg Cream. End the disruption of your rest and sleep quickly and easily with this scientifically formulated cream. Combining essential oils, antioxidants, aloe, and other natural ingredients plus the calming effect of benzocaine, it interrupts the jumpy, jittery movement and unwanted skin sensations such as burning, prickling, and tingling. Fragrance free. Non-greasy. 4 oz. jar. |
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Sleep Thief: Restless Legs Syndrome by Virginia N. Wilson (Author), David Buchholz (Author), Arthur S. Walters (Editor) A guide to the current treatment and ways to cope for those whose sleep and ability to sit quietly are mysteriously stolen every evening. Although written for the lay public and victims of RLS, it may also be of interest to physicians who are baffled by this rest robber. |
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Restless Leg Syndrome Jb (Primary Contributor) |
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Restless Legs Syndrome (Oxford Neurology Library) by K Ray Chaudhuri (Author), Luigi Ferini-Strambi (Author), David Rye (Author) Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a common movement disorder with sensorimotor symptoms occurring during sleep and quiet wakefulness. Yoakum described RLS as the "most common disorder you've never heard of" and this may, unfortunately, be an appropriate description of RLS. The term "restless leg syndrome" was first introduced by Karl-Axel Ekbom, a Swedish neurologist and surgeon in 1945. RLS can present itself in primary are and secondary care, across a range of specialties, such as psychiatry, rheumatology, and sleep medicine, and in the UK, the condition remains under-recognized and often regarded as a neurosis in spite of evidence that RLS adversely affects quality of life. Inappropriate clinical history taking leads to misdiagnosis and under diagnosis and... |
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Restless Legs Syndrome Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Restless Legs Syndrome Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Restless Legs Syndrome Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Restless Legs Syndrome Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
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