A cure for narcolepsy has not been found, but most people with this disorder can lead nearly normal lives if the condition is properly treated by a physician or sleep professional. These unpleasant and sometimes painful feelings are temporarily relieved by stretching and moving the legs. This need to keep moving can disrupt sleep and interfere with daytime activities. RLS can sometimes be alleviated by a hot bath, heating pad, leg massage, ice pack, or pain relievers. Vitamin E and supplemental calcium may be helpful, as well as the elimination of caffeine from the diet.
Some cases are severe enough to require medical attention.
Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep is termed insomnia and plagues one-third of American adults. Insomnia can be caused or aggravated by stress, depression, use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine, erratic hours, lack of exercise, environmental factors and physical conditions. If your sleep has been disturbed for more than a month and interferes with the way you feel or function during the day, see your family doctor or internist or ask your doctor to refer you to a sleep disorders specialist. An OSAS sufferer may awaken hundreds of times a night, in response to the recurring interruptions in breathing. Usually the sufferer is not aware of most of these sleep disturbances, but will exhibit symptoms of sleep deprivation, such as excessive daytime sleepiness, impaired work performance, and depression.