Many people get the diagnosis of restless leg syndrome after spending a night in a sleep lab, but believe it or not, that may not be the complaint that brought them here.
For years Sharon Murphy says she couldn't get a good night's sleep. She often found herself napping on the couch during certain times of the day, which is how she first became aware of a problem.
Exhausted and frustrated Sharon did eventually go a sleep lab for help...and besides sleep apnea, doctors diagnosed restless leg syndrome.
\Dr. Michael Lucia, Sleep Specialist, says the cause is unknown. But restless leg syndrome may be related to brain chemical in the body known as dopamine. The chemical carries messages between the nerves and body movement.
Dopamine also plays a role in Parkinson's Disease, and although restless leg and parkinson's are not related, doctors can prescribe parkinson's medication to help treat restless leg syndrome.
Now there is a new drug on the market specifically designed to treat restless leg syndrome. Called Requip it is a second generation medication that stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain.
A proper diagnosis is essential as restless leg syndrome can be caused by an iron deficiency, kidney failure or pregnancy.
You don't have to go to a sleep lab to get the diagnosis, doctors will make a complete exam and take a medical history, 50-percent of patients with restless leg syndrome have a family history.