Nearly 15% of Americans suffer from restless leg syndrome or RLS. There are many causes for this condition from medications to a hidden medical condition. Stopping restless leg syndrome may take some trial and error of different remedies and often stopping the medication you are taking or treat the health issue will eliminate the condition. This article will reveal some more suggestions you might want to consider trying.
How to Stop Restless Leg Syndrome
Massage
Warm and cool packs can greatly help restless leg syndrome. Alternating between warm and cool packs can help relax the muscles, reduce pain and aches caused by restless leg syndrome. Massaging the legs before you go to bed will also relieve the discomfort and help you sleep better.
Exercise
Including regular exercise into your daily routine can help reduce restless leg symptoms. Leg stretches and a 30-minute walk are both ideal options for stretching and relaxing the muscles in the legs; just be sure not to over exert yourself when exercising as this can cause the symptoms to worsen.
Sleep schedule
Restless leg syndrome often interferes with your sleep cycle. It is important to incorporate a regular sleep schedule into your day. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, reduce the use of electronics just before bedtime and include some relaxing activities that will help you relax the mind and body before bed. Try to include activities like reading, meditation or soaking in a warm bath to create a relaxing environment that will lead to a more restful night.
Cut out energy triggers
Consuming high amounts of caffeine found in coffees, teas, pops, and sweets can increase restless leg syndrome symptoms. Alcohol and tobacco products can also increase these symptoms. Reducing the number of triggers that will make restless leg syndrome worse can help you cope with this condition better.
Don't sit for too long
How to stop restless leg syndrome? Simply move around more. You don't want to remain sitting for long periods throughout the day; make an effort to get up and walk around for five or ten minutes throughout the day.
Distract your mind
Sitting can greatly increase the symptoms of restless leg syndrome which will keep your mind focused on the aches and discomfort. Try to incorporate different activities that will help distract your mind so you aren't just focused on the sensation in your legs. Reading, crossword puzzles or any activity that will require you to use your hands and maintain your concentration are great ideas to exercise the brain and distract the mind.
Take a deep breath
It is important to try to relieve built up tension in your body when you suffer from restless leg syndrome. Stopping to take a few deep breaths throughout the day will greatly reduce the physical tension in the body as well as any tension and stress you are holding in your mind. Make an effort to take time out of each day to dim the lights, listen to calming music and just focus on your breath.
Yoga
Yoga offers a number of health benefits since it incorporates deep breathing, exercise, and stretching. All three of these combined will greatly help you if you suffer from restless leg syndrome. Begin doing so easy yoga sequences that will help the muscles in your body relax as well as help you reduce stress and tension in the mind as well.
Iron supplements
Not having enough iron in the blood is often associated with restless leg syndrome. A lack of iron can reduce the amount of dopamine produced in the body, which is necessary to control body movement. How to stop restless leg syndrome with iron supplements? Talk to your doctor about including an iron supplement into your daily routine and be sure to take it with vitamin C which will help the body absorb the iron better.
Change your medicines
A majority of antihistamines such as cold or allergy medications can be a trigger for restless leg syndrome. Antidepressants and anti-nausea medication can also have this effect. If you suspect the medication you are taking could be contributing to your restless leg syndrome, talk to your doctor about alternative medications.
Sex
Yes, sex has been shown to help some individuals reduce their restless elf syndrome symptoms. This is because when you have sex, especially having an orgasm, you will release dopamine and epinephrine. The release of these chemicals will help you feel more relaxed which will reduce your restless leg syndrome symptoms.
Check your bedding and sleep position
If you suffer from restless leg syndrome, your bed may be making your symptoms worse. If you keep your bedding tightly tucked under your mattress, you could be causing your toes to point as you sleep which can trigger your symptoms. Additionally, propping your feet up so they are higher than the torso can reduce your symptoms.
Diet
There are some foods that could be causing your restless leg syndrome to worsen. How to stop restless leg syndrome through diet may not be achieved 100% but can help reduce symptoms. Cutting back on your gluten or MSG (monosodium glutamate) intake can help with restless leg syndrome.
Prescription medications
Those who suffer from severe restless leg syndrome may need to take medications as a form of treatment. Sleep aids, muscle relaxers or pain medication may be able to relieve some of the discomforts from restless leg syndrome.
View All Comments /Add Comment