Can Alcohol Cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

Can Alcohol Worsen Restless Leg Syndrome?

There is little research to indicate whether alcohol negatively impacts restless leg syndrome. However, anecdotally, people report that their symptoms worsen when alcohol is consumed and they are diagnosed with RLS. It is not surprising that alcohol may exacerbate these symptoms because we know how alcohol impacts the brain, which is a common reason why people experience RLS. Additionally, alcohol affects a person’s sleep which can also trigger symptoms.

It is understood that restless leg syndrome occurs because of an impairment of dopamine. Research has indicated how alcohol impacts dopamine in the brain. Perhaps this is why a person’s symptoms may worsen when alcohol is consumed, as it triggers dopamine production, which affects a person’s mood and physical symptoms of RLS.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Unfortunately, a person detoxifying from alcohol can also experience increased symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome. Research indicates that 22% of people who had alcohol use disorder experienced intensified symptoms of RLS during detox. This is concerning as sleep disruption, and uncomfortable physical sensations may be significant indicators for people to relapse, as many people may use alcohol to sleep and numb pain for discomfort.

Alcohol’s Impact on Sleep

As discussed in previous articles, alcohol can have a long-term adverse effect on a person’s sleep. Alcohol has been known to impact a person’s health over time. It also impairs sleep as it can contribute to disorders such as sleep apnea and insomnia. Approximately 2-4% of Americans suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. It has been found that excessive alcohol use can lead to sleep apnea as alcohol not only increases snoring but narrows the air passageway leading to apnea. Alcohol, sleep apnea and snoring increase a person’s risk for stroke, heart attack, or sudden death.

Alcohol and insomnia are frequently linked. It is estimated that 36-91% of people with alcohol dependence also have insomnia. So how does alcohol cause insomnia? Alcohol increases the quantity of non-REM sleep during the night’s first half but then decreases REM sleep in the second half. When alcohol is metabolized in the body, it often causes frequent wakings and fragmented sleep.

Unfortunately, sleep disturbances are prevalent for people in the very beginning stages of alcohol treatment and can last for many months after alcohol consumption has stopped. In a study, 58% of a sample of 40 alcoholic men during the first 6 days of alcohol withdrawal. Three-quarters of 82 inpatients reported sleep disturbances after detoxification, and one-third of 294 patients reported sleep disturbance within the first month of treatment.

Drinking Alcohol at Night

Some people may have a drink or two at night to help them fall asleep. However, alcohol is not helpful for people to get deep or quality sleep at night. Alcohol may make a person feel tired initially, as alcohol is known to impact a person’s central nervous system. However, alcohol is also known to affect a person’s sleep cycle, preventing a person from getting into the most restful stage of sleep, REM, or rapid eye movement. Not getting a complete sleep cycle will contribute to various health problems, such as high blood pressure, depression, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

How to Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms

Here are the following suggestions from medical experts to treat and relieve the symptoms associated with restless leg syndrome.

Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Restless Leg Syndrome:

• Avoid caffeine.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid tobacco.
• Quit smoking.
• Regular daily exercise.
• Good sleep habits.
• Massage legs if experiencing symptoms.
• Take a hot bath in the evening.
• Apply a hot compress to the legs.
• Engage in distractions such as reading or watching TV.
• Relaxing activities such as yoga or tai chi.
• Walking and stretching.