Restless leg syndrome causes abnormal sensations in the legs and prevents people from getting a good night’s sleep. The condition is not always apparent. The symptoms can be anywhere between mild to severe and disrupt a person’s life in extreme cases. Fortunately, there are various home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medications that can help.
People who experience severe, extreme, or frequent cases of RLS (restless leg syndrome) may benefit more from long-term and permanent treatments. Being aware of certain home remedies can provide immediate relief, but that may only be temporary. Consult with El Paso general surgery to know your treatment options.
Tips for managing restless leg syndrome at home
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Check your iron.
Low levels of iron are one of the main causes of restless leg syndrome. Your ferritin level, the protein that stores iron in your body, should never be less than 50. In some cases, the problem may not be the amount of iron but how your brain processes it. According to the Penn State University College of Medicine, iron is poorly absorbed in the brains of RLS patients. The brain does not efficiently take the iron you consume.
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Develop good sleeping habits.
You may benefit from good sleeping habits and a regular routine if you suffer from restless leg syndrome. Try setting alarms and waking up and going to bed at the same time every day. Having a consistent routine can help improve the symptoms. It is also important to avoid sleeping during the daytime and taking naps to sleep better at night. Avoid caffeine, screen time, and alcohol before bedtime.
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Stretch before you sleep.
Get some stretching done before going to sleep. You can join a class for beginners or watch YouTube videos to learn ways to stretch to improve RLS symptoms. For example, you can do calf stretches by putting your front leg forward and bending it while keeping the back leg straight. Use the wall to support yourself so you do not fall.
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Adjust your medication.
Certain medications can worsen your restless leg syndrome symptoms, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medications can block dopamine receptors in your body. Antihistamines used to treat colds and allergies have the same effect. If you experience worse symptoms after starting a certain medication, you should see your doctor and decrease the dosage.
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Soak in a warm bath.
Doing relaxing activities before bedtime can calm your nerves and stop leg movements. A warm bath will allow your body to relax and make it easier for you to fall asleep. This is a classic way to become calm and “chill out.”
