Have you ever felt like this, lying in bed at night, just ready to go to sleep, but suddenly feel that how the legs are placed is not very comfortable, even if you keep adjusting the position and movement of the two legs, still feel that something is wrong. Everything looks normal legs, but you feel like they are ants crawling, or by the electric current gently touched, the feeling is not only pain but also exceptionally uncomfortable, so people can not be ignored. This indescribable discomfort is like a pair of invisible hands constantly tweaking your nerves, forcing you to get up and walk around or tap your legs to relieve that uneasiness.
In fact, on quiet nights, when most people fall asleep, some people suffer from an unspeakable affliction - Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), which is like a ‘dancing soul’ at night. This disorder is like a ‘dancing spirit’ at night, which makes it impossible to rest, as if the legs are driven by an invisible force, constantly wanting to move to get a moment's relief.
Restless Legs Syndrome has a distinctive feature, which is that its symptoms have a typical diurnal pattern of change. During the day, when you are busy working, studying or socialising, these symptoms may not be noticeable to the extent that you almost forget they exist. But in the evening or at night, especially when you are ready to rest, these ‘invisible dancers’ start to come alive, making your legs restless. It is as if they are playing a ‘night symphony’ that belongs only to you, and you can only passively accept this ‘gift’.
So what exactly causes restless leg syndrome? At present, scientists have not yet fully unravelled this mystery, but have discovered some possible ‘conductors’. For example, genetic factors, abnormal dopamine function in the brain, blood circulation disorders, iron deficiency, etc., may be behind the scenes. In addition, some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, chronic renal failure, Parkinson's disease, etc., as well as pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies, etc., may also be a trigger for restless legs syndrome.
In the face of restless leg syndrome, an uninvited guest in the middle of the night, we seem to be in a battle of wits and perseverance, rather than standing alone in the darkness. If you're a big fan of coffee, you may need to put down that tantalising cup of black and gold for a while on this adventure, like a warrior who must shed some unnecessary burdens before going on a journey. Coffee, the daily refreshing companion, has become the catalyst for increased restlessness in the legs. Therefore, giving up coffee is like equipping yourself with light armour to make the path of exploration smoother.
Next, exercise becomes the sword in your hand. In the evening glow or the quiet moments before bed, you embark on a walk. Each step is like a silent dialogue with Restless Leg Syndrome, telling it, ‘I am in control of my body and my legs will no longer be at your mercy.’ A pre-bedtime massage and foot soak is like casting a warm spell, immersing tired legs in a soothing sea of accelerated blood circulation like waves lapping at the shore, taking away all the discomfort and fatigue.
In this battle against restless leg syndrome, you are not only the brave explorer, but also the master of your health. Through adjusting lifestyle habits, moderate exercise, foot massage and medication when necessary, you will step by step get out of the labyrinth of restless legs and welcome every peaceful and beautiful night. Although restless legs syndrome is distressing, as long as we understand its characteristics and take the right countermeasures, we can effectively alleviate the trouble it brings. Let's work together to quiet that ‘dancing soul’ at night and enjoy every peaceful night.
