Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) for Restless Leg Syndrome
Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.
There is a positive link between the levels of thalamic GABA and the indices of periodic limb movements and the severity of RLS. The clinical improvement that can be achieved with GABAergic medications lends credence to the idea that gamma-aminobutyric acid, often known as GABA, may have a role in the pathophysiology of restless legs syndrome.
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid for Restless Leg Syndrome
- What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
- What are the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
- Discomfort in the legs (or arms)
- The compulsion to move one's legs (or arms)
- Sleep disturbance
- Bedtime behavior difficulties
- Daytime sleepiness
- Issues with behavior as well as work performance
- Possible Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
- How is RLS treated
- Alternatives to the use of drugs
- Consumption of Iron Supplements
- Gamma-aminobutyric Acid for Restless Leg Syndrome
- Precautions for taking GABA supplements
- Final Words
- Sources
What is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Sleep disorders like restless legs syndrome (RLS; also known as Willis-Ekbom illness) create an overwhelming desire to move one's legs repeatedly throughout the night (and even your arms or body). This sensation sometimes accompanies others in the limbs, such as that of pulling, creeping, tugging, itching, aching, scorching, or simply crawling.
These feelings typically manifest themselves when one is lying down or sitting for extended periods of time (like when one is driving or watching a movie).
RLS is most bothersome in the evening, when it makes it hard to get to sleep. It's common for someone suffering from RLS to want to get up and move around, shaking their legs (or arms).
What are the Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome?
The following are some of the symptoms of restless legs syndrome:
Discomfort in the legs (or arms)
Adults frequently use words like "creeping," "itching," "pulling," "crawling," "tugging," "gnawing," "throbbing," and "scorching" to describe the unpleasant sensations that occur in the limbs. These sensations typically happen when a person is lying in bed, although they can also occur at other times when the limbs are inactive.
The compulsion to move one's legs (or arms)
You have an uncontrollable impulse to move the limbs, particularly while you are resting, like when sitting or lying down, in an attempt to alleviate the discomfort in your limbs.
Sleep disturbance
Because of the impulse to move your limbs in order to alleviate the discomfort, falling asleep typically takes a little longer than usual. Additionally, there are moments when it may be difficult to continue sleeping.
Bedtime behavior difficulties
It is possible that you will need to get out of bed in order to stretch your limbs and relieve the discomfort that you are experiencing.
Daytime sleepiness
It's possible that having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep could lead to feeling sleepy during the day.
Issues with behavior as well as work performance
Again, as a consequence of sleep deprivation, issues might arise in daytime behavior (such as impatience, moodiness, difficulties concentrating, hyperactivity, and so on), as well as in work performance.
Possible Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome
The condition known as restless legs syndrome (RLS) has in certain instances been identified as a genetic syndrome. This means that parents who have RLS are capable of passing it on to their offspring.
Ninety-two percent or more of people diagnosed with RLS have a first-degree relative who also suffers from the condition. Patients who have a genetic relation to RLS are more likely to develop symptoms earlier in life (before the age of 45) than patients who have RLS but no genetic link.
In addition to having a hereditary basis, RLS is closely connected with the development of a wide variety of medical conditions, including the following:
- A deficient amount of iron
- Uremia is a symptom of hypothyroidism
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson's
- Disorders of the kidneys
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Neuropathy of the peripheral limbs
- Pregnancy
- Dialysis
Medications are another factor that might play a role in the onset of RLS. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-nausea pills are examples of such well-known classes of medication.
How is RLS treated
The severity of the symptoms should be taken into consideration while choosing a treatment for restless legs syndrome. If insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness are negatively impacting your quality of life, you should think about getting treatment for them. In patients whose RLS is caused by an ongoing medical condition, specialized treatment is also required.
Alternatives to the use of drugs
Treatments that do not involve the use of drugs are explored initially, particularly if the symptoms are quite minor.
- Getting physical activity
- Maintaining healthy patterns of restful sleep
- Avoiding or limiting consumption of items containing caffeine
- Applying a warm compress
- Spend some time in a hot tub.
- Consider magnesium supplements
Consumption of Iron Supplements
Causes of RLS can be treated, and iron deficiency is one of them. The results of your blood work may indicate that you need an iron supplement.
Gamma-aminobutyric Acid for Restless Leg Syndrome
By inhibiting the activity of hypersensitive nerve cells, activating GABA can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS. The combination of vitamins C and E as well as GABA has been shown to be both a safe and effective medication for lowering the severity of RLS in individuals undergoing hemodialysis.
At Vorst Canada you can get the best GABA supplement for Restless leg syndrome:
Precautions for taking GABA supplements
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid interacts with antihypertensive medications (antihypertensive medicines) (GABA) Blood pressure may be lowered by GABA.
Blood pressure may drop too low if GABA is used combined with blood pressure-lowering medicines. Keep a tight eye on your blood pressure.
Final Words
RLS can affect people of any age, even kids. Initiation of RLS symptoms can occur at any age, however, the likelihood of developing the syndrome increases dramatically after the age of 40. Women, not males, suffer from RLS at a higher rate. Ten percent or more of the US populace may suffer from RLS.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168
https://www.webmd.com/brain/restless-legs-syndrome/restless-legs-syndrome-rls