Restless Legs Syndrome and Marijuana

What would you do if you felt a persistent tingling, itching, and/or crawling sensation in your legs every day? How would you feel if you had to make various lifestyle changes due to the constant restlessness of the body and legs?

Not only do people with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) have to make lifestyle adjustments due to the many unpleasant symptoms they experience, but many also have to endure chronic symptoms that can impact their quality of life. RLS is estimated to affect approximately 7 to 10 percent of the U.S. population, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders & Strokes. Although there is currently no cure for this syndrome, there are natural treatments such as cannabis and cannabidiol that can help relieve many RLS symptoms.

Background of Restless Legs Syndrome and its significant impact on one’s life

Restless Legs Syndrome is classified as a neurological disorder that can affect anyone of any age. However, this syndrome becomes more severe and painful with age, even if it is not life-threatening. Sometimes RLS is also called Willis-Ekbom disease or Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome. These names come from one of the first doctors to discover and identify RLS, Dr. Karl-Axel Ekbom in 1943.

In general, restless legs syndrome causes a variety of symptoms, many of which occur and worsen in the evening. Sleep disorders often occur because this syndrome often causes you to wake up or it becomes so uncomfortable that you cannot fall asleep. As a result, many people with RLS have a poorer quality of life and a deterioration in their general well-being.

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According to the National Sleep Foundation, some people also describe RLS as: “…feeling like ants are crawling through their legs or carbon dioxide is flowing through their veins.” Typically, a person’s symptoms become progressively worse as they relax, sit, or lie down . However, the severity of this disorder varies from person to person. Most people feel relief when they exercise a lot. Others, however, do not find exercise to be any relief at all.

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Currently, the exact cause of RLS is unknown. However, there are various conditions closely related to it. Some people may even develop RLS due to medication side effects. Unfortunately, since the exact cause of RLS is not yet clear, it is difficult to prevent it.

Common RLS side effects and painful symptoms

Although RLS affects each person differently, most RLS patients experience numerous side effects and symptoms. Most of those affected experience the following symptoms:

• Sleep difficulties and interruptions
• Daytime tiredness and sleepiness
• Restlessness, which may manifest itself in repetitive movements such as tossing and turning in bed or walking back and forth
• Tingling, itching and/or tingling in the legs
• A strong force to move and shake the legs to relieve unpleasant sensations
• Accidental movements or jerking of the legs during the sleep cycle, while at rest, or even while awake

Physical side effects also include loss of sleep, daytime sleepiness, general malaise, itching and restlessness in the legs. Because this disorder can cause discomfort at any time of the day or night, some people avoid social gatherings and events because of the pain they feel when sitting or standing for long periods of time. Therefore, various emotional symptoms such as loneliness, anxiety, depression and isolation occur. On the bright side, there are various treatments that can help people with RLS live the best life possible. A fast-growing natural treatment that can help is cannabis and CBD.

Traditional and Non-Traditional RLS Treatment Methods: Which is Right for You?

In recent years, RLS has gained more attention. However, this disorder has been documented and studied for centuries. Both traditional and non-traditional treatment methods are available, and it is up to each individual to decide what is best for them. Traditional RLS treatment methods include vein treatments, foot wrap treatments, pharmaceutical medications, and regular specific exercises. There are also non-traditional, natural methods. These include, but are not limited to, calf massages, hot and cold compresses, ice packs, warm baths, and cannabis and CBD products.

How consuming cannabis and cannabidiol can help relieve RLS symptoms

Additionally, a 2017 study found that inhaled medical cannabis relieved RLS symptoms. Five of the six subjects experienced complete symptom remission after consuming cannabis, and CBD played a large role in relieving symptoms. After completing cannabis treatment, all participants noted an improvement in sleep. Another study found that Sativex (a cannabis-based sublingual spray containing CBD and THC) helped 40-50 percent of RLS patients with their sleep problems. Fortunately, cannabis and CBD can help treat insomnia, but especially CBD, which often has a calming and calming effect in users.

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However, so far there is a lack of clinical trials and studies on the topic of medical cannabis in the treatment of RLS. However, there are numerous anecdotal success stories that RLS patients continue to tell. Due to the pain-relieving properties of cannabis and CBD, RLS patients who suffer from regular pain can find relief by consuming various cannabinoids. Additionally, because of the relief cannabis brings, people can relax more easily, leading to better preparation for bedtime and combating insomnia.

Due to the sleep difficulties that most RLS patients experience, other problems such as anxiety, depression, reduced mental performance and wear and tear on the body’s immune system can also occur. Fortunately, however, CBD contains natural anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. This cannabinoid can also provide the body with antioxidants that can help strengthen the immune system.

Optimal cannabis strains for relieving RLS symptoms

Additionally, there are different strains of cannabis that can be consumed to relieve RLS symptoms. However, the strains used should match the symptoms they are trying to treat. If RLS patients want to use cannabis for insomnia, high-THC or high-CBD strains are recommended. Some examples include Granddaddy Purple (Indica), Purple Kush (Indica), ACDC (hybrid and high CBD), and Charlotte’s Web (high CBD). All of these strains can relieve pain, anxiety, and insomnia while providing a physically and mentally relaxing effect.

For near-immediate relief, inhalation, sublingual administration, and topical application are the best ingestion methods. All in all, it’s important to find the right cannabis strain and consumption method that fits your needs and desires.

Although restless leg syndrome affects women twice as often as men, it can still affect quality of life regardless of gender. When traditional treatments are ineffective or do more harm than good, it may be a sign to try something more natural like cannabis and/or cannabidiol. If you could naturally improve your well-being and relieve many painful chronic symptoms, would you do it?