Restless Leg Syndrome and Vein Disease

We have all experienced some sleepless nights at some point. Stress plays a significant role in the quality of our sleep at night. Although there are other factors that can affect the quality of our sleep. Varicose veins can have an effect on your sleep. This condition can alter your daily life without any intervention. 

In this article about varicose veins, we will also mention simple things you can do at home to improve your condition. This should improve your quality of sleep as well. 

Varicose Veins and Sleep

Varicose veins and muscle cramps are very similar. Although physicians and patients often have trouble putting the two conditions together. By considering the two together, this might help you reduce the effects of your condition. 

The condition of varicose veins is more common than you think. About 25% of the population has some form of vein disease. With a variety of symptoms associated with varicose veins, it is no surprise that restless legs and muscle cramps are a leading cause of poor sleep. 

The symptoms of vein disease worsen at night. The swelling pooled blood and toxic metabolites start to circulate and with less distraction when you are sleeping. However, the discomfort becomes more apparent and can keep you up at night. 

We often attribute this sensation to restless leg syndrome. The body senses the imbalance and creates involuntary movements and contractions of your legs to create some blood movement. The symptoms of restless leg syndrome and vein disease include throbbing, cramps, aching, and uncontrolled leg movements.

Restless leg syndrome treatment focuses on the condition rather than the underlying issue that is vein disease. Unlike restless leg syndrome, vein disease is treatable. A vein doctor can help diagnosis varicose vein disease and offer treatment. 

Restful Nights with Varicose Veins

The initial steps are often very effective. The beginning of vein treatment involves the use of compression stockings. Many patients will purchase compression stockings for home and work use. Although they should be appropriately sized and fitted by a qualified vein clinic. The typical strength is 20-30 mmHg and they can be knee-high or thigh-high depending on the patient's condition.

For patients with obvious symptoms on both sides, waist level compression stockings should also be considered. The primary purpose of compression stockings is a preventative. To sleep better with restless leg syndrome, try to remain hydrated. Flush your system out before you go to sleep. This keeps toxic local metabolites from building up in the legs during the daytime which leads to muscle twitching and cramps.

Leg Elevation

Leg elevation is important for both day and night time. The more you can keep the swelling down in your legs by elevating your feet through compression stockings, the less likely you are to experience the symptoms of vein disease. Before you go to sleep at night, stretch your muscles to help them relax. Massaging your legs can help settle any tension in your legs.

Treatment for Vein Disease

Treatment can be decided during a consultation with a vein center. The diagnosis depends on the patient's history and physical examination to look for clues of vein disease. If medically needed, an ultrasound will evaluate the size and direction of the blood flow in your legs. This provides vital information about the likelihood of vein disease and symptoms of restless leg syndrome.

Current vein treatments are safe and use minimally-invasive techniques. RF vein ablation and sclerotherapy are the main tools and focus on poorly circulating veins. Diseased veins are collapsed from within and healthy circulation is promoted by the re-direction of blood. This prevents the blood from pooling up in your legs and causing the symptoms of vein disease.