Sleep Integrity Solutions

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases, the unpleasant feeling temporarily. Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, can begin at any age and generally worsens as you age. It can disrupt sleep, which interferes with daily activities.

Unfortunately, RLS and sleep apnea are two conditions that are more likely to develop as a person ages. While anyone at any age can be affected by either condition, those over the age of 40 are more likely to have OSA, and when it comes to RLS, many who experience severe symptoms are older, with symptoms typically becoming more frequent and lasting longer as time goes on. One study found that clinically significant RLS (meaning symptoms present at least two to three days per week) was found in 8.3% of sleep apnea patients.

In people with sleep apnea, breathing during sleep is interrupted many times a night, often resulting in nighttime snoring—and daytime symptoms of sleep deprivation. People who snore but feel refreshed the next day, though, may just have “simple snoring,” not sleep apnea. Snoring that’s not caused by sleep apnea can be caused by a number of things, including:
-Older age, which can cause more relaxed throat muscles
-Nose or throat conditions, such as a deviated septum (when the wall that divides the nose is pushed to one side) or enlarged tonsils
-Sleep style, especially sleeping on your back
-Use of alcohol, other depressants or muscle relaxants close to or at bedtime
-Being overweight, which leads to poor muscle tone and more tissue around the neck

More than 25 million adults in the United States are believed to have moderate to severe OSA, which is comparable to the prevalence of diabetes and even higher than asthma, she said. However, about 75% of severe cases are undiagnosed. People who suffer from sleep apnea repeatedly stop breathing during sleep, then often gasp for air. Sleep deprivation can cause a number of short- and long-term medical issues, so it's important to recognize symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.

Sleep apnea can strike either gender at any age, although risk is higher if you are:
-Male
-Overweight
-Age 40 or older