8. Restless Legs: The Unwanted Night Moves
For some, the mere act of lying down invites an unbearable urge to move their legs. It’s like an itch you can’t scratch, a restlessness that won’t settle. This sensation, often described as ‘creepy-crawly’ or ‘tingling,’ might be another hidden symptom of OSA.
It might seem like a stretch to connect restless legs with a breathing disorder, but the two often occur together. Low oxygen levels during sleep can lead to heightened nerve sensitivity, triggering that incessant need to move. It’s as if your legs are participating in a nocturnal dance-off that you never signed up for.
While restless legs can occur for a variety of reasons, including other medical conditions and medications, their presence alongside other OSA symptoms paints a broader picture. It’s like discovering an unexpected plot twist in a mystery novel—suddenly, everything makes a bit more sense.
Why should you pay attention? Because restless legs don’t just affect sleep; they can disrupt your entire day. The sensation can carry into waking hours, impacting your focus, mood, and overall wellbeing. You’re in a perpetual state of discomfort, as if walking on a bed of hot coals. (8)
