the hidden cause behind many cases of insomnia

The doctor in Neurosciences Celia García has warned that about two-thirds of people with restless legs syndrome are undiagnosed. In part, this is because many patients confuse the disorder with insomnia and, as a consequence, do not receive adequate treatment, which has a negative impact on their health. quality of life and night rest.

In this sense, he has pointed out that many people downplay their sleep problems and opt for quick solutions. “It is common for those who have insomnia to go to the pharmacy to buy melatonin or go to the family doctor to prescribe something to help them sleep, such as lorazepam or another generic drug,” explained García, who has participated in the AESPI Route 2026organized by the Spanish Association of Restless Legs Syndrome (AESPI).

However, he stressed that this syndrome “is a very recognizable sleep disorder and quite concrete, which has specific diagnostic processes and treatments that work well.” For this reason, he has insisted that people who sleep poorly or have insomnia should consult with a specialist to receive a proper diagnosis.

The expert, as reported by Europa Press, has explained that restless legs syndrome is a neurological and chronic disease which affects up to 10 percent of the population and is characterized by the appearance of nonspecific discomfort, which each patient describes differently, mainly in the legs.

These symptoms usually appear during periods of rest, such as when the person is sitting or lying down, and are relieved by moving, standing or walking, especially during the afternoon and evening. “Therefore, it is one of the causes of sleep problems and insomnia“, he added.

Iron deficiency: the main reason

García has stressed that the causes of restless legs syndrome are varied, although the most common is iron deficiencythe main risk factor for developing this disease. Likewise, he has indicated that there is also a genetic componentsince approximately 60 percent of cases have a family history.

According to the specialist, the disorder can appear at any age, even in children, although the risk increases with age. Regarding sex, he has detailed that women suffer from it approximately twice as much as men, partly because they consume more iron throughout their lives.

Regarding treatment, García explained that when the patient is a candidate, iron is the main therapeutic optionsince it acts directly on the cause of the disorder. “It is the safest treatment and the one that is directed at the origin of the disease.”

“When the symptoms are controlled, the patient recovers quality of life and normal sleep“, he added.