It’s hard enough to relax and find time to kick back and enjoy your evenings without having to deal with pins and needles that make it impossible for you to enjoy your evenings. What’s even worse is that restless leg syndrome is preventing people from getting restful sleep.
Many people have absolutely no idea what’s going on inside their body, and why they’re having such a hard time getting the nerves in their legs to stop moving. In many situations, restless leg syndrome (or RLS) is classified as a sleep disorder- because it effectively prevents many from falling asleep or staying asleep.
What is restless leg syndrome?
It can be hard for someone who has never experienced these uncomfortable feelings to accurately come to terms with the symptoms associated with this condition.
These uncomfortable feelings aren’t just limited to one part of the body (e.g. the legs), rather they can happen anywhere, leaving some individuals feeling like something is crawling up and down their extremities when they’re at rest (for example sitting, lying down, or with their feet up in the air).
For many, the severities of symptoms associated with RLS vary greatly. For some, the irritation is very mild, but for others, it’s impossible to find relief or ascertain any possible way to make themselves feel better. Typically speaking, these feelings are exacerbated in the evening and late at night, and the symptoms associated with this condition drastically and significantly impair the quality of life for those who truly suffer from the condition.
Common Sufferers of Restless Leg Syndrome
Even more seriously, about 10 percent of the United States population (alone) will suffer from this condition. Research suggests that women are more likely to suffer than men, and the condition can happen at any age (although restless leg syndrome typically affects those who are middle-aged and older).
The hardest part of dealing with RLS is coming to terms with the rationality that doctors are relatively unfamiliar with these conditions, and it appears to be hereditary. Chronic diseases (like Parkinson’s disease, kidney disease, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and even iron deficiency can cause issues with the nerves in the legs and spinal column- as well as several medications (like anti-nausea, antidepressants, and some anti-psychotics or antihistamines) worsen symptoms.
Some pregnant women also report being affected by RLS during pregnancy, although evidence supports the idea that the symptoms are onset with excess weight building in the abdomen, adding weight and stress to the lower back and hips.
10 Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome Relief
1. Get more exercise
Realistically, many of those suffering from restless leg syndrome lead sedentary lifestyles. Getting up, and strolling through the house or around the block might provide just the relief you need to get your legs calm enough to go back to bed or lie down at night. Many who have taken this approach have found that they sleep much, much better at night.
2. Drink less caffeine
It might surprise you to know how much caffeine you consume daily. Many beverages (e.g. coffee, soda, tea), over-the-counter medicines, and even foods (like chocolate) have caffeine in them. Even tobacco and nicotine can affect your nervous system, making you jittery.
3. Modify your medicine
Take a look at some of the side effects of medicines that you use every single day. Many may cause jittery behaviors that you never anticipated.
4. Take a relaxing bath or soak
Often, warm baths, massages, and sometimes stress creams can help soothe your muscles.
5. Try eating better
Try ensuring that you’re regularly eating iron, folate, magnesium, and other minerals essential for your health. Eating a wider variety of nutrient-rich foods gives you a better chance to improve your health- naturally.
6. Establish regular habits
Get into a routine to get your body used to the things that you do every day. It’s important to consistently do the same things to keep your nerves from being jittery.
7. And stick to your schedule
You’ll notice that on the nights when you get a consistent amount of sleep, you’ll feel better than if you haven’t. This fatigue has been associated with RLS.
8. Try to cap your stress
Stress fatigues the body as well as exacerbating your healthiness. Getting regular exercise, practicing relaxation techniques, and stretching regularly will make you feel better.
9. Do some stretches
Yoga, walking, stretching, or tai chi.
10. Try wearing warm socks
Many people who suffer from RLS seem to have cold feet. There’s little connection between the two, but socks never hurt! They increase the amount of circulation in your body, naturally.
Combating RLS, One Step at a Time
It can be difficult, tiring, and complicated to address restless leg syndrome, but few are willing or able to take strong medications and sleep therapy treatments to find medicated relief. The 10 home remedies above may solve your issues without medicine, allowing you to live a more holistic lifestyle.