Are you suffering from restless leg syndrome? Trying hard to have a good night’s sleep? Read on for the best home remedies to get rid of restless leg syndrome to help you sleep better.
About Restless Leg Syndrome
Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, restless leg syndrome or RLS, is a neurological disorder, experienced by many people across the globe. People suffering from restless leg syndrome (RLS) experience pains, aches and sensations in their legs while sitting or lying down. Their legs feel like exercising even when their mind and the rest of their body are ready for sleep. Since this problem occurs more often at night or while lying down, restless leg syndrome makes it difficult for the patient to fall asleep. Troubled sleep further leads to decreased quality of life. Compared to men, women are more affected with restless leg syndrome. People of all ages can get restless leg syndrome but it often affects adults more than children.
The symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS) vary, in severity and duration, from person to person. While some people experience mild symptoms, others have more severe symptoms with every episode. Irrespective of the severity of pain, natural treatment can be of great help in getting rid of this condition. Home remedies for restless leg syndrome can help to effectively manage the condition.
Home Remedies to Get Rid of Restless Leg Syndrome
The actual cause of restless leg syndrome is still unknown but researchers believe that frequency of the symptoms is linked to the patient’s lifestyle. Some lifestyle changes that one can make to ease these symptoms of Rest Leg Syndrome include the following.
Diet
A healthy diet is one of the best home remedies to get rid of restless leg syndrome as it helps to promote good sleep. Avoid consuming stimulants like alcohol and caffeine before bedtime as these can keep you awake at night. Healthy diet, rich in whole grains, lean proteins, vitamins, minerals and omega-3-fatty acids can help to a great extent.
Smoking
Smoking can make you feel jittery and impact sleep, negatively. Hence, it is best to limit smoking or quit it completely. Refraining from tobacco is one of the important home remedies for getting rid of restless leg syndrome.
Medications
Medications used to treat certain conditions can make it difficult for the muscles to relax and cause difficulty in sleeping. If you have restless leg syndrome, it is best to review the medications with your doctor and see if they are causing restless leg syndrome (RLS). Also, if there are any other medical concerns, you must seek treatment for them to avoid disturbance in your sleep, which can worsen your restless leg syndrome symptoms.
Hot and Cold Compression
The symptoms of restless leg syndrome can be very irritating and painful. Hot and cold compress is one of the popular home remedies for restless leg syndrome. Applying hot and cold compression on the legs can help to reduce pain. Even taking a hot bath or massaging the muscles can help relieve the ache.
Exercise
Lack of activity can affect the muscles and nerve signals. One of the most effective home remedies to get rid of restless leg syndrome (RLS) is regular exercises. Studies show that people with RLS who exercise for 30 to 60 minutes every day experience reduced fatigue, lesser symptoms, better mood and sleep habits. You need not follow an intense exercise regime and overexert yourself. Mild exercises like walking, jogging, and other type of fitness activities do a good job in keeping the legs healthy and making the individual sleep better. Yoga specifically proves highly beneficial for people with restless leg syndrome.
Sleep Hygiene
Restless leg syndrome can make you stay awake and prevent you from falling asleep. Hence, it is important to try and eliminate all factors which can keep you away from having a good night’s sleep. Having a proper sleep routine is one of the effective home remedies for restless leg syndrome. Ensure that they go to bed at the same time every night. A proper bedtime routine can help you fall asleep more easily. Try keeping a sleep journal to understand what works for best and what does not to plan accordingly.
Reduce Stress
Stress specifically aggravates the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS). Thus, the treatments which help to reduce stress can aid in alleviating these symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Relaxation techniques like meditation and breathing prove effective in reducing stress and are an important home remedies for restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Supplements
Some studies suggest a link between restless leg syndrome (RLS) and deficiency of vitamin D and other nutrients like vitamin E, vitamin C and iron. Hence, along with healthy diet, nutritional supplements can show some improvement in the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. In addition to home remedies for restless leg syndrome, you can consider taking supplements, with appropriate medical advice.
Many lifestyle changes and home remedies can help to effectively manage Restless leg syndrome. Patients should work closely with their doctor before making any changes or having any supplements.
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