Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Individuals diagnosed with restless legs syndrome (RLS) experience an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. RLS sufferers frequently experience tingling or unpleasant sensations in one or both legs that causes them to have to get up or move around. More women than men are diagnosed each year with RSL, and this medical condition tends to worsen with age. RSL gets in the way of sound nighttime sleep, and people with RSL are most uncomfortable having to sit for prolonged periods of time. Use these diet and medication therapies to reduce your symptoms of RSL today.

Instructions

• 1

  Take iron supplements. People who suffer from restless legs syndrome are usually iron deficient. Experts suggest restless legs syndrome can be alleviated by taking a multivitamin containing iron.

• 2

  Avoid antihistamine use. If you're regularly taking medications containing antihistamines--notify your doctor because your medication could be causing temporary RLS symptoms.

• 3

  Try massages, hot baths and regular exercise to alleviate restless legs syndrome. Many sufferers report more symptoms before bedtime, so try a warm bath and massage to calm uncomfortable tingling sensations.

• 4

  Get 30 minutes of moderate cardiovascular exercise each day to promote good circulation in your legs.

• 5

  Explore drug therapy with your doctor. Opioids, muscle relaxants and sleep medications are commonly prescribed to treat restless leg syndrome.