Imagine having an uncomfortable feeling that causes you to constantly move your legs. Then imagine the sensation gets worse at night. It's called restless legs syndrome, and it's a real-life nightmare for as many as 15 percent of Americans.
Restless legs syndrome is a common problem, but one that is not always easy to diagnose. That was the case for Patricia Rash, a Marshall county woman who went more than five years without a good night's sleep. Then she learned about an experimental medication that's helping her sleep better.
"I would be awake maybe a half-hour or so each time I got up, and I was getting up like six times in the night with this," says Rash.
Then Rash learned about a new treatment for restless leg syndrome, available through the Sleep Disorders Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Researchers are currently studying a drug, which is designed to replace chemicals in the body that are missing in people with restless leg syndrome.
"Many different centers are seeing patients. If it's statistically valid, hopefully this will be something that will be afforded to people with bad restless legs in the future, and help improve quality of life - because that's what it's about," says Eric Dyken, M.D., sleep disorders specialist.
Some of the study participants receive a placebo, or pill with no medicine, so Rash isn't even sure she's getting the drug. Regardless, she's seen a dramatic change since enrolling in the study.
"I tried different drugs; I tried different doctors; this has been the thing that has helped me, after all those months."
Rash is hopeful the Food and Drug Administration will approve the medication soon, so she and countless other restless leg syndrome patients can sleep better at night.
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