Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder that can seriously upset the quality and quantity of your sleep. At The Insomnia and Sleep Institute of Arizona we help with all sleep disorders, prioritizing conservative and organic solutions whenever possible. A recent study in Panminerva Medica shows that those with RLS enjoy a 61 percent decrease in sleep problems when they take Pycnogenol extract. This extract is made of a kind of pine bark found in France and it is showing great promise in helping those with RLS get the rest they need.
This particular bark grows along the coast in southwest France and is full of bioflavonoids, phenolic acids, and procyanidins. In other words, it’s organic and much safer for long-term use compared to other options for RLS, like pharmaceuticals. According to the spokesperson for the maker of Pycnogenol extract, “Restless leg syndrome is often missed or dismissed in diagnosis, but it’s a real health condition often rooted in microcirculation.” In other words, if poor circulation is the foundation for your RLS, addressing the cause may also inherently help the symptoms.
Natural Help for Sleep Disorder
In the study, 45 adults with RLS were prescribed different treatments for their condition. There were 21 who received a 150mg supplement of Pycnogenol extract per day while 24 received the usual management recommendations for RLS. After one month, those in the Pycnogenol extract group reported “significant improvement in all prominent symptoms.” This included a 33 percent decrease in “crawling” compared to just 3 percent in the control group. There was a 30 percent decrease in “creeping” compared to a 7 percent reduction in the control group. Another 41 percent decrease in “pulling” was reported compared to 6 percent in the other group.
Additionally, 72 percent in the Pycnogenol extract group reported a decrease in aching compared to a 3 percent reduction in the control group. Itching was reduced by 48 percent compared to 10 percent in the control group. Over half, 52 percent, had a decrease in electric shock sensations compared to 17 percent in the control group. There was a 61 percent decrease in sleep problems for the Pycnogenol extract group compared to 16 percent in the other group. Finally, and most importantly, there was a significant reduction in the need for pain management for the Pycnogenol extract group.
Helping your RLS
The authors stress that, “Even when restless leg syndrome is properly diagnosed, medication to treat the condition includes pharmaceuticals that increase dopamine in the brain, resulting in side effects like nausea and sleepiness.” In some cases, doctors may prescribe opioids or other narcotic medications for pain relief—which can be problematic. Such drugs should only be prescribed in the short term for some patients. We are in the midst of an opioid epidemic in this country, and finding alternatives for chronic conditions like RLS is critical.
You can find Pycnogenol extract at thousands of locations, including online and brick and mortar stores, around the globe. However, if you have RLS or any other sleep disorder, working with a sleep expert should always be the first step. Bear in mind that not all RLS is caused by microcirculation problems necessarily, and not every supplement works for every person. Building a team of experts who can recommend treatment strategies is a must for achieving the best sleep possible.
Getting Help for RLS
RLS and insomnia are close bedmates. Lack of sleep has been associated with a number of physical and mental health conditions as well as a shorter lifespan. If you want to be your healthiest self, sleep is an integral part of making it happen. Only a sleep expert can diagnose a sleep disorder, which is the first step towards testing and treatment. Many people know they have RLS since it is uncomfortable or painful, but not everyone is aware of other sleep disorders, such as OSA, which might be a comorbidity. To find out more and schedule your consultation with a sleep professional, get in touch today. Call The Insomnia and Sleep Institute during business hours or, for the quickest response, fill out the online contact form now.
