Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes sufferers to feel the constant need to move the legs, particularly during periods of rest. This can cause a change in your sleep pattern, and the sleep deprivation can have a negative impact on your life. There are some over-the-counter medications your doctor can prescribe for this condition, but there are also some practices that you can use at home to help relieve Restless Legs Syndrome.
Tips for Relief
Taking a walk before bedtime can sometimes help with the feelings of restlessness in your legs. Endorphins released through exercise can promote a more restful sleep. When RLS attacks during the night, get out of bed and walk around the bedroom. You can also try rubbing your feet together and wiggling your legs in bed to get some relief.
Include a multivitamin in your supplement regimen. According to neurology professor Ronald F. Pfeiffer, M.D., researchers believe that iron deficiency may play a role in RLS. Folate is also believed to be deficient in some sufferers. Both these nutrients are available in a multivitamin. Dr. Pfeiffer recommends stopping or reducing caffeine if you suffer from RLS. Stopping smoking has also been documented to provide relief for some sufferers.
Stress and the feeling of rushed bedtime preparation can contribute to RLS. Maintaining a peaceful time before bed to allow yourself time to wind down and relax can minimize the symptoms of RLS. Also, going to bed before you reach the stage of extreme tiredness can be helpful. Try not to use sleeping pills or alcohol to get to sleep, because these relaxants can create a dependence.
Folk Remedies
No one can explain why but some RLS sufferers have reported relief from placing a bar of unscented soap between the mattress pad and sheet at the foot of the bed. This folk remedy has been listed in various books and on websites, including Earth Clinic. This same site reports that some people have found success with taking a tablespoon of blackstrap molasses each day.
Earth Clinic also lists apple cider vinegar as another potential remedy for RLS symptoms. Try two teaspoons in a glass of water. Users on the same site reported getting relief by rubbing their legs with apple cider vinegar before bedtime. Other users advise that avoiding deodorants containing aluminum and also avoiding artificial sweeteners have been helpful in overcoming symptoms of RLS.
Tags: Legs Syndrome, Restless Legs, Restless Legs Syndrome, some sufferers, apple cider