How to Find Relief for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a genetically linked neurological condition that causes sufferers to feel an overwhelming urge to move one or both legs. These urges come primarily at night when you are trying to sleep, although they can also happen when you have been sitting for a long time. RLS has a spectrum of severity, ranging from mild and occasional problems to severe and frequent attacks that can interfere with your sleep. If you have RLS, there are several things you can do to minimize the symptoms.

Things to Avoid

• RLS symptoms can be made more frequent or more severe by the things you consume. Caffeine from coffee, tea or soda can make an RLS sufferer more likely to have an attack. Likewise, alcohol and tobacco use may also bring on RLS attacks. In addition, certain prescribed medications, such as antidepressants or antinausea pills, can also cause RLS attacks. Discuss with your doctor how your medications might affect your condition.

Home Remedies

• If you want to avoid taking medications, there are a number of natural home remedies you can try to alleviate the symptoms of RLS. A vigorous massage of the leg muscles can often reduce RLS attacks. A warm bath or warm compresses directly on your leg muscles can also be helpful. Since stress has been demonstrated to worsen RLS symptoms, try relaxing meditation before you go to bed.

Alternative Treatments

• Aside from the underlying genetic tendency associated with 60 percent of all cases of RLS, many cases of RLS are related to one or more nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor may be able to determine with blood tests what this deficiency is and how to treat it. Often, supplements containing iron, magnesium, folic acid or vitamin B can help to alleviate symptoms.

Medications

• If you suffer only mild symptoms of RLS, over-the-counter ibuprofen may be temporarily eliminate the twitching and discomfort. If you have more severe symptoms, your doctor might suggest sleep medications or muscle relaxants. Opioids are sometimes prescribed for RLS, but since they can be addictive, other medications might be a better choice. For severe cases, some doctors prescribe medications designed to treat Parkinson's disease or epilepsy.