Back To Top

You might have noticed that when a woman is with child, both she and her significant other say we are pregnant. As much as this phrase can make singles cringe, anyone who has been party to pregnancy knows that its impact cannot be isolated to the one with the baby. Such are sleep disorders. Even intermittent snoring or talking in ones sleep can result in snide breakfast debriefings from an affected partner. With actual medical conditions such as sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome the tension can be challenging to the relationship itself.

Restless legs syndrome, only recently acknowledged as a disorder, is still subject of debate in terms of what causes it and how to diagnosis it. We do know that some 10% of people have it, that it's genetic, seems worse at night, and is relieved by pressure (getting up and moving) and aggravated by stress. 80% of those with RLS kick and toss in their sleep, a condition called Periodic Limb Movement. Here are some things you can do if you have or think you may have RLS:

Get diagnosed

Diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy can create RLS symptoms. Antipsychotic drugs, as well as cold and allergy medicines, may also cause similar sensations in others. Doctors often do blood tests to rule out iron deficiency as a cause. Make sure you don't have a separate condition through which your RLS will be addressed. Doctors have not found a wonder drug for RLS although many have been used with moderate success.

Lifestyle habits

As you would imagine, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco are bad. Many RLS sufferers are deficient in iron, folate, and magnesium so start taking your vitamins. Exercise throughout the day helps, but make sure you aren't doing anything too intense just before bedtime.

Relaxing before bed is important for everyone, but especially those with RLS. Anxiety can worsen symptoms, the bedtime ritual should be automatic. Warm compresses, hot tea, and leg massages (either from self or partner) are meditative ways to prepare for sleep.

Separate covers might be necessary, as those with RLS are very sensitive to pressure.

Memory Foam

Of course, the right mattress is important for staying asleep. Waking in the middle of the night could cause a return of sensations and insomnia. Further, during those times when you are awake and fighting the tingling, you needn't wake your partner. The turning and moving that RLS can cause may deprive the bystander of sleep and increase stress (a trigger) for the RLS sufferer, a vicious cycle.

A memory foam mattress is often the best choice because the high-density foam isolates movement better than other mattresses. Tempur-Pedic is a great brand to start your search with. At Bedzzz express we have over 80 styles and sizes of memory foam options to choose from, all with a 90-day Simple Zzz's guarantee.

No thanks, I’ll pay full price.

FIND YOUR NEAREST BEDZZZ EXPRESS LOCATION

X