OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.
Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who suffers from sleep apnoea and is constantly kicking his legs while asleep.
Dr Zoe helps a reader who uses a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine for sleep apnoea[/caption]
Q) I HAVE a CPAP machine for sleep apnoea.
I constantly kick out while asleep, jump and jerk. This keeps my wife awake. My legs ache and I have to move them about. I am 61 years old.
A) The two most obvious causes are restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder. RLS is a neurological condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, with a strong urge to move them.
It can be hard to fall asleep and may cause you to move or kick without realising. PLMD is when your legs (or sometimes arms) jerk or twitch during sleep.
It can occur alongside sleep apnoea.
Other causes include low ferritin (a measure of stored iron), and magnesium or vitamin D deficiency can make RLS or PLMD worse.
Some antidepressants, antihistamines, and certain blood pressure drugs can increase leg movement or restlessness.
It’s great to hear that you’re using your CPAP machine.
However, even with a CPAP, if the pressure isn’t right or the mask leaks, micro-arousals can worsen leg movements.
Make sure the mask fits well and isn’t leaking.
If you’re waking often or feel unrested despite CPAP, your pressure settings might need to be adjusted – a follow-up with your sleep clinic can help.
TIP
Our muscles get weaker each year we age. Strong muscles will boost longevity.
Try to do 20 minutes of strength training twice a week – the NHS has free videos online and there are thousands on YouTube.
