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A case report recently appeared in "Sleep Medicine", suggesting that masturbation and sexual intercourse resulting in orgasm can alleviate the symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. My first thought was, Don't jerk me around. But then again, as this report points out, orgasm does result in the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine, an agent that appears to play a role in easing the uncomfortable symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome. And there does exist literature that concludes that there is a shortage of dopamine in sufferers of Restless Leg Syndrome.
The aforementioned report involved a man in his early 40s, who experienced a completely normal night of sleep after masturbation or sexual intercourse. So, is the relief from dopamine, or just that release of pent-up orgasmic energy Wilhelm Reich was trying to tame for much of his career?
Interestingly, two FDA-approved drugs for Restless Leg Syndrome, Requip and Mirapex, do provide dopamine-like activity.
This nighttime condition called Restless Leg Syndrome is characterized by the following:
• A compelling need to move, associated with unpleasant sensations in the legs.
• The unpleasant sensations of Restless Leg Syndrome are worse or exclusively present at rest.
• These unpleasant sensations may be partially, and usually temporarily, relieved by activity.
• The unpleasant sensations follow a circadian pattern, and again, are worse late in the evening.
Before the publication of this report, the general approach to the treatment of Restless Leg Syndrome involved eliminating those things that can cause the syndrome: Anti-nausea drugs, certain types of antidepressants, antihistamines, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
Regular sleep and wake times, a brief walk before bedtime, a hot bath, and massage have been helpful additions to the lives of sufferers of Restless Leg Syndrome.
Perhaps to this list we should add a romantic dinner, followed by the playing of Bolero in a room illuminated by scented candles.
