Coping with Restless Leg Syndrome

Natural Remedies and Foods to Alleviate RLS Discomfort and Insomnia

© Elaine Walker

Uncomfortable Sensations in the Legs, Photo : Bretz

Learn to cope with the persistent discomfort and sleep disturbance of Restless Leg Syndrome by a combination of the right foods, homeopathic remedies and exercise.

Although Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is neurological, it is classed as a sleep disorder because of the disruption it causes at night. The American Insomnia Association estimates that up to 12 million American men and women are affected. It is thought that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and “growing pains” could be misdiagnoses of restless legs syndrome amongst children and teenagers. The cause of RLS is unknown.

Symptoms

There is a need to move the legs that is so strong it cannot be resisted. Often there are uncomfortable sensations in the legs that are only relieved by restless movement. The sensations are worse during the late afternoons or evenings, and particularly strong when trying to go to sleep.

Additional problems can be caused by periodic limb movement during sleep, which causes the leg muscles to contract for one or two seconds, making the restless leg twitch or jerk. This is repeated as much as three times every minute and can continue for up to an hour before stopping. Sleep is disturbed until the legs settle. The next phase can start an hour or two later and occur for varying lengths of time throughout the night, resulting in hundreds of small movements. This can cause insomnia or sleep disturbance resulting in fatigue and sleepiness during the day.

Pregnancy and RLS

Symptoms can begin or worsen in the third trimester. Often the condition disappears after the birth of the baby. Consult a doctor.

Treatment

RLS can sometimes be associated with other conditions such as diabetes and iron deficiency, or be affected by certain medication. This should be discussed with a doctor.

What Could Help?

Restless Leg Syndrome treatment can be specific to the individual, but symptoms may be alleviated by:

Diet

For online support : Restless Leg Syndrome information page.

Reference: Healing Remedies (C. Norman Shealy. Element Books Limited 1998)


The copyright of the article Coping with Restless Leg Syndrome in Natural Medicine is owned by Elaine Walker. Permission to republish Coping with Restless Leg Syndrome must be granted by the author in writing.


Uncomfortable Sensations in the Legs, Photo : Bretz
       


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