There is almost nothing worse than having an attack of restless leg syndrome and I know from my own experience that it can happen at any time and not just at night when in bed, although, it does seem to occur more often at bed time. Restless Leg Syndrome is a neurological disorder and the symptoms include an inability to relax you legs together with an irresistible urge to keep them moving about. You may also experience the sensation that the blood flow has ceased and that you need to move about to get it going again.
Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome
It is thought that some of the triggers that set off restless leg syndrome include iron deficiency, diabetes mellitus, vitamin deficiency, menopause, sleep disorders, stress and heredity amongst other. From my own personal experience, I think that sitting around for long periods without moving is another factor. Before you resort to taking any supplements or medicines for any sleep disorder, it is worth trying some natural home remedies for restless leg syndrome to see if you can get the relief you need and below are a few you could try.
Home Remedies for Restless Leg Syndrome to Try
1. Try to increase the amount of exercise you take as even walking regularly can help to relieve restless leg syndrome. Also, when sitting watching the TV, try clenching in your butt muscles as hard as you can for say a count of 10 and repeat this for 5 minutes or for as long as you can. The benefits are twofold, firstly, you will increase the blood circulation to your legs and you tone up your butt muscles at the same time.
2.Are you a coffeeholic? It may be an idea to reduce the amount of caffeine you consume, as it could be one of the culprits. Try to be aware of other types of drinks that may also contain caffeine including, energy and soft drinks and even tea. If possible and for an experiment, cut them out completely for say, a couple of weeks and see if these home remedies for restless leg syndrome get you some positive results.
3. Be aware that stress can be a factor so if you have worries at work or problems at home, this may exacerbate symptoms of restless leg syndrome. If possible, try to find ways to unwind and relax. What about a new hobby? It could help get some enthusiasm and enjoyment back into your life, a relaxant in itself and….You deserve it!
4. There is nothing nicer or more relaxing than soaking in a lovely warm bath. So, take a bath just before bedtime and when you get into bed, if you have a partner, see if you can get them to volunteer to give your calf muscles and feet a massage. This will really help relax you and increase the blood circulation and may halt the symptoms of restless legs starting.
5. Make sure you eat a well balanced diet that contains all the nutrients your body needs especially, the complex B vitamins, iron, magnesium and folic acid, as a deficiency of these elements in your diet could contribute to the symptoms.
6. Try soaking your feet in warm water before you retire or apply a hot water bottle or pad to your legs for a few minutes at a time. Alternately, soak you feet in cold water or try placing some cold wet towels over your legs for a couple of minutes.
7. We mustn’t forget the usual bad habits that need to be avoided, smoking and alcohol of course.
8. During the winter months, if it is very cold when you go to bed, make sure you have a heated blanket so that you can slide into a lovely warm bed. This will help you drift off to sleep quickly. Failing this put on a pair of socks because a warn body and feet will increase the blood circulation and stop the onset of restless legs.
If you continue to get symptoms and these home remedies for restless leg syndrome haven’t given you positive results then talk to your doctor who may prescribe you with some relevant medication
by Rosemary Taylor
