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Home Remedy for Restless Leg

Restless leg syndrome is an uncomfortable condition that affects the legs, usually at night. Patients describe a creepy-crawly sensation, pins and needles or the need to move legs around. Restless leg syndrome is fairly common, affecting about 15 percent of the general population at some time during their lives. If you suffer from restless leg syndrome chronically or occasionally, you can find relief in your very own home. Experiment to find one that works the best for you.

  1. Relaxation

    • Stretching out your leg muscles each morning and each night can help you fight your restless leg syndrome symptoms by relaxing the muscles in your legs. You could try a simple floor stretching exercise, where you sit with your legs spread and then reach to touch each of your toes in turn. Likewise, a warm bath before bed could prep your muscles before sleep, letting your entire body relax. Experiment with other relaxation techniques, such as yoga or massage. Individual responses to relaxation are different for everyone, so it's important to practice different forms until you find one that works.

    Distraction

    • When you have restless leg syndrome, often it becomes the only thing that you can think about. Especially when lying in bed and hoping for sleep, your symptoms can become exaggerated. Find another activity that engages your muscles and your mind while watching television or while in bed until you are tired enough to go to sleep. Try crocheting or needlework, doing a crossword puzzle or even playing a video game. These activities will keep your mind off your symptoms so that you can relax and eventually find relief.

    Diet

    • The things that you eat and drink can affect your symptoms. For instance, drinking a calming herbal tea such as chamomile before bed can relax your muscles and make you sleepy. Vitamin B12 has also been shown to help, so make sure you're getting enough in your diet or from a daily supplement. You may have to cut certain foods and drinks out of your diet; caffeine and alcohol have been shown to make restless leg syndrome worse, so abstain from consuming anything that contains either before bedtime. Keep a careful eye out for things that trigger your restless leg syndrome so that you can eliminate them.

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