If you suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS), you are all too familiar with that pulling or tugging feeling in your legs. You may, like many, also get an overpowering impulse to move your legs. This is especially the case at night making it nearly impossible to get a good night’s sleep. We can offer Home Remedies Restless Leg Syndrome.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome
The only known cause of RLS is imbalance of the Braun chemical dopamine, it sends the message to control muscle movements but due to the hormonal imbalance its not able to send message properly which causes RLS.
Some factors that can cause dopamine imbalance are:
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy causes many hormonal changes which may be the reason you are suffering from RLS, but remember this is temporary.
The symptoms get worse during the last trimester but after your delivery you will be fine!
Heredity:
Its possible that someone on your family has suffered from RLS before that’s why you are suffering from it right now.
If your parents or grand parents suffered from it then there are chances that you will have it too.
Unfortunately, it may be hard to get rid of RLS if its cause is heredity but some remedies can help you.
Symptoms Of Restless Leg Syndrome
If you have restless leg syndrome then you will experience the following symptoms:
Sensations and disturbance in legs while resting: RLS patients complain that they suffer from the problem most when they are lying down, resting, sleeping or sitting.
If they stop movement the disturbance starts and irritates them. It doesn’t batter if they are in a car, hospital or anywhere else, if they stop movement the sensation appears.
Disturbance goes away after movement: The more a RLS patient moves the lessen disturbance they feel.
But this isn’t a good thing since RLS wouldn’t let you rest properly or concentrate on the tasks.
Intense disturbance at evening: RLS fell the worst symptoms at night or even since at that time our bodies aren’t so active which increases the rate of disturbance and sensation in legs.
Restless sleep: Because of RLS patients can’t sleep proper, they continuously feel disturbance in their legs which wakes up them again and again.
This ruins their sleep which results into a restless sleep.
Can certain activities or behaviors worsen restless leg syndrome symptoms?
Certain activities or behaviors can indeed worsen restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms in some individuals. While triggers can vary from person to person, here are some common factors that can exacerbate RLS:
- Lack of physical activity: Leading a sedentary lifestyle or prolonged periods of inactivity can contribute to RLS symptoms. Regular exercise and movement can help alleviate symptoms and improve circulation.
- Caffeine and alcohol consumption: Stimulants such as caffeine found in coffee, tea, and some sodas, as well as alcohol, can trigger or worsen RLS symptoms for many individuals. Limiting or avoiding these substances, especially in the evening, may be beneficial.
- Certain medications: Some medications, including certain antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can worsen RLS symptoms. It is essential to discuss medication-related concerns with a healthcare professional who can assess alternative options if needed.
- Stress and anxiety: Emotional stress, anxiety, and fatigue can increase RLS symptoms. Finding effective stress management techniques and incorporating relaxation practices into daily routines may help manage symptoms.
- Irregular sleep patterns: Lack of quality sleep or inconsistent sleep patterns can worsen RLS symptoms. Establishing a regular sleep routine and creating a sleep-friendly environment can promote better sleep and alleviate symptoms.
- Tight or restrictive clothing: Wearing tight or constrictive clothing, particularly around the legs, can exacerbate RLS symptoms. Opting for loose-fitting and comfortable clothing can help minimize discomfort.
Can restless leg syndrome lead to other complications or health issues?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) itself is not typically considered a dangerous or life-threatening condition. However, it can lead to complications and impact overall health and well-being. Sleep disturbances caused by RLS can result in daytime fatigue, impaired concentration, and decreased quality of life. Chronic sleep deprivation may also increase the risk of other health issues such as depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular problems.
Home Remedies For Restless Sleep Syndrome
While there is currently no cure for primary RLS, there are fortunately some non-drug interventions you can use at home to alleviate your bothersome symptoms. Below are a few helpful ideas.
Set a good sleep routine.
Your body can be trained to fall asleep more quickly and achieve a deeper sleep if you are on a consistent sleep redgament. Inconsistent bed and wake times can worsen your RLS symptoms. Do your best to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. If you can, it might help to go to bed a little later than usual and get up later too. This will help you achieve deeper sleep. Make sure that your bedroom is dark, comfortable and cool. Do not keep a TV or computer in your bedroom.
Iron and other supplements.
Since lower iron levels may be connected to the onset of RLS, your healthcare professional will more than likely suggest adding a iron supplements to your list of treatments.
Taking other supplements. Although, there is not much medical evidence to back it up, some patients claim to get relief from their RLS symptoms when they take vitamin B12, folic acid or magnesium.
Warm Bath and Muscle Rubs as Home Remedies Restless Leg Syndrome
Before bedtime, why not try a soak in a warm bath or a cool shower? Sometimes all it takes is a small change in your body temperature to make a big difference. Try experimenting with a heating pad or your legs. Others find relief after applying a cold pack on their legs.
Muscle rubs and massage. Before going to bed, try giving yourself a massage. A massage may help relieve your pain and RLS symptoms. Rub your muscles. It is especially effective in your calves. Try a massage just before going to bed and you might get a more restful night’s sleep.
Exercise and Stress Relief as Home Remedies Restless Leg Syndrome
Take up an exercise routine . Performing mild exercise regularly during the day can help you sleep better at night. Maybe take a brief walk or you could do some quick stretches before going to bed. Make sure not to exercise too hard before bed. Your RLS symptoms can get worse if you exercise too much or too vigorously, even if it is early in the day.
Relieving stress. Stress can cause flare ups in your RLS, making your symptoms worse. There are many useful techniques that can help you calm your anxieties and relax. Why not try some meditation, tai chi, deep breathing, yoga or progressive muscle relaxation.
Alternative Medicine Home Remedies Restless Leg Syndrome
Foot and toes stimulation. In some cases, patients find that stimulating their toes and feet with electrical impulses or vibrations provide much-needed relief from their RLS symptoms. Many people report having success when they stimulate their feet and toes for 5-10 minutes before going to sleep. Talk to your doctor. He or she can provide more information.
Acupuncture treatment. While there is still not hard medical proof that acupuncture can help with RLS symptoms, many suffering from RLS try acupuncture to relieve symptoms.
If you don’t find complete relief from the above, see our specialists at the Advanced Vein Center for a full medical workup to see if vein disease may be adding to your problems.
What Happens If You Ignore RLS?
RLS results in uncomfortable leg feelings and a strong impulse to move the legs. The majority of the time, when you’re unwinding or attempting to fall asleep, that want is stronger.
The biggest worry for those who have RLS is that it interferes with sleep, making them drowsy and exhausted during the day. If RLS and sleep deprivation are not treated, you may develop additional health issues, such as depression.