Restless Leg Syndrome Is Difficult to Diagnose but Can Be Managed Well
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a movement disorder in which an individual experiences an irresistible compulsion to move his or her legs due to abnormal, non-painful sensations such as throbbing, crawling, itching, pulling etc., at bedtime, which are relieved on movement. Studies have shown that RLS has a prevalence of 3 to 10% in India with higher susceptibility in women. Diagnosis The diagnosis of RLS largely depends on doctor’s evaluation of the patients’ symptoms and family history as there is no proper test available for its diagnosis. A blood test may be performed to detect iron deficiency and other disorders associated with RLS. It is extremely difficult to diagnose RLS in children as it is difficult for them to find the right words to explain their discomfort and hence it can remain undiagnosed for a long time. Causes Restless-legs syndrome can be of primary or secondary type. In primary RLS, the cause can be genetic or unknown (idiopathic RLS), while secondary RLS occurs due to certain disorders like end stage renal disease, celiac disease, rheumatic disease etc. Though the exact cause of RLS is still unclear, it may occur due to any of the following reasons: Dysfunction of dopaminergic pathways: Dopamine is required for effective movement and dysfunction of any of dopamine pathways often results in involuntary movement. Parkinson’s patients have greater chances of developing RLS. Genetic component: Polymorphism in genes namely BTBD9 and MEIS1 have been shown to be associated with restless legs syndrome. Iron deficiency Peripheral nerve abnormalities Diabetes Mellitus Management of RLS The management of RLS depends on its severity. For patients with mild symptoms of RLS certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding tobacco, alcohol, eating meals rich in calcium, folate and iron can be helpful. Patients with severe RLS may require medications that improve the dopamine levels in the brain. Physical exercises like yoga, cycling, and swimming a few times a week can also help relieve symptoms. Iron supplements have also shown to be effective against RLS. Restless legs syndrome is of serious concern as it severely affects patients’ sleep, causes daytime sleepiness, and also influences their mental health and social life. RLS patients often find it difficult to concentrate and perform daily tasks. Hence, in case one notices any of the symptoms, one must not hesitate to consult a doctor who may prescribe suitable medications. To seek help or know more about Restless Leg Syndrome, you can visit the Neurology and Sleep Centre, the 1st sleep medicine center in the country accredited by Indian Board of Sleep Medicine at L-23, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi-110016 (INDIA) Or give a call on +91-11-46070321, +91-9643500270, Or write to info@neurologysleepcentre.com
Sleep Plays a Major Role in Boosting Immunity. By Dr.Bhatia & Saunri
Does Sleep Improve Your Immunity? A study published in 2020 in the International Journal of Behavioural Medicine found that sleep plays a role in improving the efficacy of vaccination. It was reported that people who slept for shorter durations had fewer production of antibodies after immunization with trivalent influenza vaccine. Interestingly, they also found that those individuals who slept for a shorter duration two days prior to receiving the vaccination also produced fewer antibodies in response to it. The idea that sleep benefits your immune system is not new. Numerous studies have previously also shown the benefits of sleep in vaccination in various animal model systems, through the activation of various components of your immune system. When you suffer from a bacterial illness, your demand for sleep increase. The fatigue and sleepiness that you face during the illness promote less activity and hence conserve your energy for a faster recovery. Sleep acts as a booster to your natural immunity. During the deep sleep phase of your sleep, the efficiency of the transfer of immunogenic information to T cells increases. During sleep, the number of immune cells, such as T cells and APCs that circulate in your blood get reduced and redistributed to the lymph nodes. At these lymph nodes, these cells get accumulated and concentrated and allow for a greater chance of encountering a foreign pathogen that could potentially cause a disease. Hormones such as growth hormone and prolactin are also released during sleep that creates a suitable environment for the presentation of antigens by APCs, thus boosting your natural immunity. Studies have also shown that night shift workers have low immunity thus are more susceptible and prone to upper respiratory tract infections such as cold and flu caused by viruses. Some studies have found that sleep deprivation and short sleep duration also lead to low immunity and increase the risk of respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia. Such studies give us important insights into how our immune systems can get compromised and how we can be more susceptible to illnesses, in times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, where there has been a drastic change in work/school schedules and sleeping patterns among people. Sleep should not be compromised and those suffering from persistent sleep issues must seek professional help. For more information on sleep and immunity, you can visit the Neurology and Sleep Centre, the 1st Sleep Medicine Institute in the country accredited by Indian Board of Sleep Medicine at L-23, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi-110016 (INDIA) Or give a call on +91-11-46070321, +91-9643500270, Or write to info@neurologysleepcentre.com
Why Teenagers Should Really Sleep Well And Why They May Face Sleep Issues
Why is Sleep Important for Teenagers? Sleep helps to restore and repair the rapidly developing bodies of teenagers. Sleep helps the brain process information it has received during the day, making some memories stronger while fading away unwanted memories. Sleep also helps us regulate emotions. Sleep issues such as sleeping problems at night and poor sleep cause physical and emotional problems. Research has found that social isolation is a risk factor for depression and anxiety in teenagers and good sleep can protect them whereas sleep issues and sleeping problems at night can make them more vulnerable to these ill effects. In a time like the COVID-19 pandemic, where social distancing and isolation is the norm, it is important for teenagers to get good sleep. How Many Hours of Sleep Do Teenagers Require? The recommended number of hours of sleep that teenagers should get every night is 8 to 10 hours. However, many surveys, including a survey by the National Sleep Foundation in 2006, found that adolescents do not get the required amount of sleep and face sleep issues and sleeping problems at night. Why Do Teenagers Face Sleep Issues? During puberty, the shift in the timing of production of melatonin, leads to sleep onset by 10 or 11 pm instead of 8 or 9 pm as during childhood, leading to sleeping problems at night. The excessive time spent on electronic devices and the subsequent bright light exposure inhibits melatonin production leading to sleeping problems at night and shorter sleep durations. Teenagers don’t give enough importance to sleep and think that it is ‘cool’ to pull out all-nighters or go by as little sleep as they can. The habit of catching up on sleep on weekends, only adds to sleep issues and sleeping problems at night. Teenagers can also suffer from sleep issues such as Obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, circadian rhythm sleep disorders that make it difficult to get good sleep. What Is the Impact of Poor Sleep on Teenagers? Day time sleepiness can affect the concentration of teenagers during their regular classes. Lack of sleep can also induce unhealthy behaviors such as overeating and eating at wrong times during the day, resulting in weight gain, feeling of bloating, and sleeping problems at night. Lack of sleep can make teenagers more irritable and aggressive, causing the rash behavior we see amongst teenagers. Poor sleep due to sleep issues and sleeping problems at night has also been linked to an increase in the use of the substance, smoking, etc. Solutions for Sleep Issues in Teenagers Parents should develop a better relationship with their teenage children, understand their sleep issues, and help them. Teenagers themselves should develop a good attitude towards sleep. Teenagers should also: Limit their screen time and not use electronic gadgets that emit bright light at least half an hour before sleep time to avoid sleeping problems at night. Have a fixed bedtime and wake up time on weekdays as well as weekends. Avoid eating too close to bedtime, so that they don’t feel bloated, to reduce sleeping problems at night. Avoid drinking tea, coffee, chocolate drinks that contain caffeine after about 12 noon. Exercise regularly for about 60 minutes. To seek help or know more about teenagers and sleep issues you can visit the Neurology and Sleep Centre, the 1st sleep centre in the country accredited by Indian Board of Sleep Medicine at L-23, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi-110016 (INDIA) Or give a call on +91-11-46070321, +91-9643500270, Or write to info@neurologysleepcentre.com
Sleepwalking Can Be Dangerous and Can Cause Harm If Untreated and Unmanaged
Sleep Walking Sleepwalking or somnambulism is a sleep disorder in which an individual experiences unwanted activities such walking, talking etc. during sleep. These can occur during the non rapid eye movement or NREM stage of sleep. While sleep walking, the person shows unusual behaviors such as getting up from the bed and walking around, or staring with glazed eyes, or sitting with their eyes open and they generally do not respond or communicate if they are asked something. Studies have shown that sleep walking affects about 4% of adult population. Sleep walking is more common in children between age four to eight years and is gone by twelve years of age. Sleep walking in children is influenced by parental history; the prevalence is around 22.5% for children when both their parents are not affected and increases to about 61.5% in children whose both parents have been affected by sleepwalking. Features of Sleep Walking The main features are: An inability to remember the event the next day A lack of awareness of his or her surroundings Weakened decision making skills Sleepwalking is extremely dangerous as the individual is not aware of the activities that he or she is doing. Instances where the sleep walking individual may drive, climb out of an open window or stairs can lead to serious injury. It also leads to excessive day time sleepiness. Along with the sleepwalker the other members of the family also get affected. There is an overall decrease in the quality of the life of the patient., fear of sleep as they are apprehensive of the sleep walking and its dangers. Causes of Sleepwalking The following reasons predispose an individual to experience sleepwalking: Chronic sleep deprivation ( poor sleep for a few nights) Certain medications like anticonvulsants, antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants and antibiotics can also stimulate sleep walking. Some research studies have shown that sleep walking is inherited and is a dominant trait. The DQB1 gene has been implicated in sleep walking. Management of Sleepwalking The first thing is to establish a regular bed time and wake up routine with adequate no of hours of sleep. Lifestyle changes like avoiding alcohol, tobacco, stress, eating a healthy diet, proper sleep schedule and developing a positive attitude has shown to be helpful. Medications which improve levels of Gamma Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain have shown to be effective. At home or in the sleep environment, certain safety measures to protect the person from injury such as locking of windows and external doors, locking the entry gate for staircases, removing pointy and breakable objects from the bedroom must be taken. When to See the Doctor? Occasional sleep walking is normal but if it occurs several times at night and the patient is getting injured while sleep walking, then one must seek medical help. To seek help or know more about Sleepwalking, you can visit the Neurology and Sleep Centre, the 1st sleep medicine center in the country accredited by Indian Board of Sleep Medicine at L-23, Hauz Khas Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi-110016 (INDIA) Or give a call on +91-11-46070321, +91-9643500270,
