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Restless legs syndrome, or Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes a person to experience uncontrollable urges to move their legs. This often greatly impacting their ability to carry out their day-to-day activities and ability to relax and get a good night's rest, which can have devastating consequences for a person's quality of life. However, recently in the UK, medical cannabis has emerged as a new treatment option for patients with restless legs syndrome if other conventional treatment approaches have failed to meet their needs.
Am I eligible?More than 80% of those with restless legs syndrome also encounter periodic limb movements (PLM) according to the NHS.
Between 5 and 10% of the population in the UK, the US, and in Europe, are affected by restless legs syndrome, say NICE.
An 80% improvement in quality of sleep was reported using medical cannabis oil in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Of UK adults would consider medical cannabis treatments, according to Releaf’s representative research.
A burning sensation
A throbbing sensation
A tingling feeling
Cramping
Disturbed sleeping
Feeling itchy or shivery.
Need or urge to move your legs
Trouble sleeping
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms. Please speak with your GP to find out more.
So long as Restless legs syndrome is not linked to another underlying condition, it can usually be managed by making lifestyle changes such as daily exercise, avoiding stimulants in the evening and having a sound sleeping routine. If symptoms are persistent or frequent, common restless legs syndrome treatments include dopamine agonists, painkillers and sleep-aids.
Codeine
Gabapentin
Pramipexole
Pregabalin
Ropinirole
Zopiclone
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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"Medical cannabis may help alleviate symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) through several potential mechanisms: it has been shown to reduce pain, aid in muscle relaxation, and increase the duration and quality of sleep. In particular, THC oils have shown to be effective in just one week of treatment."
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When people with restless legs syndrome are not responding to the conventional or licensed treatments typically used by the NHS, life can become very difficult to manage. For these patients, medical cannabis may be an option worth exploring, and it is an option made available to them at Releaf.
This is because cannabis-based treatments have demonstrated promising potential in treating movement disorders like restless legs syndrome because of their positive effects on regulating motor function, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
Because restless legs syndrome commonly disrupts patient’s bedtime routines and affects their ability to fall asleep, or stay asleep throughout the night, medical cannabis’ sedative effects can prove useful to assist in getting a good night's rest.
When our bodies are less tired, they operate at a higher functionality, and so we’re often able to cope better with emotional stress, or the impact or health can have on our day-to-day lives.
Although further research is required to fully explore the impact medical cannabis treatments can have on restless legs syndrome, for now the evidence appears promising, and anecdotal data shows this course of treatment can have incredibly beneficial results for some.
To find out if restless legs syndrome medical cannabis treatments may be able to benefit you, fill out our eligibility checker here.
