How to Cope With Restless Leg Syndrome

If you feel a crawling sensation in your legs when you are lying down at night, you may have restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome is a neuromuscular condition that is classified as a sleep disorder because it usually occurs at night and keeps you from getting any sleep.

Instructions

• 1

  Take a calcium magnesium supplement. These are the minerals that create muscular contractions and nerve impulses. Taking the supplement a few hours before bedtime can reduce the symptoms. This is particularly effective for those who are extremely active.

• 2

  Massage your legs. Grabbing the leg muscle by the fistful and kneading it can help circulation and relieve symptoms.

• 3

  Take your mind off of the problem. Talk with someone, watch TV, read something interesting, do a crossword puzzle or meditate. Although it is not a mental condition, your frustration at it is; like any pain or discomfort, if you can take your mind off it, it isn't as bad.

• 4

  Stretch. Include calf, thigh and hamstring stretches in your before bed routine. Hold each stretch at least 30 seconds.

• 5

  Increase your activity level if you are inactive; go for a walk in the evening to get your circulation going.

• 6

  Reduce nicotine, caffeine and alcohol intake. These drugs are known to increase the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.