Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

If you are diagnosed, or feel as though you may be suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome there are some more natural changes you can make to your lifestyle that may ease your condition. Some simple steps you can take that may reduce the symptoms somewhat are:

Medical Conditions

Iron deficiency (anaemia); diabetes; kidney disease; various other mineral and vitamin deficiencies have been linked to Restless Legs Syndrome. These can be diagnosed with a simple blood test and treatment of these will hopefully cease the Restless Legs Syndrome. Other medical problems that can contribute to the disorder are Parkinson’s disease; rheumatoid arthritis and underactive thyroid gland – if you are a sufferer of any of these your doctor may be able to provide something to help, e.g. a change in medication that will reduce your sleep disorder.

Environmental Factors


Ensure that you bedroom is a quiet and a comfortable place that you associate with relaxation.

Sleep Routine

Try and establish a good sleep routine in which you go to bed and get up at similar times each day. Some RLS sufferers have reported that going to bed later at night improves their quality of sleep. It is vital that you get a good, long, refreshing night’s sleep.

Eating & Drinking

Avoid eating late or drinking anything with caffeine present in it.

Daytime Napping

Try not to take a nap, as this may reduce your chances of entering into a deeper sleep later on.

Relaxing at Bedtime

Try to relax before you do go to bed, particularly with this disorder it may be a good idea to take a hot bath before you go to bed to relax your muscles.

Controlling the Leg Movements

Try not to fight the leg movements if you do suffer from them during the night as it may only tense and stress your body out of sleep and cause a mild form of insomnia.

Iron Supplements

If it has been diagnosed that you have low iron levels, iron supplements may help, please consult a doctor.

Wrap up your Legs

Wrap your legs up in tight bandages, compress stockings or tights. This will hopefully reduce the chance of muscle spasms.

Stand Up

Keeping your legs active reduces the chance of the sensations experienced with Restless Legs Syndrome. Stand up more at work should your work involve sitting, or take regular walks.

Avoid Certain Medicines

The following medicines may aggravate your Restless Leg Syndrome disorder: antidepressants; antinausea medicines; antipsychotic medicines and antihistamines.

Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol and Caffeine

It is important that you do not let your disorder affect your mentality with sleep, as the frustration you may feel towards your disorder may only further the chances of you not sleeping as you are worrying about getting enough sleep. Be ready and aware of your symptoms if you are going to consult a doctor as they may want to know of any factors that could be causing your symptoms, e.g. pregnancy, and also how often your symptoms are occurring and how much time it takes before you are able to sleep should you be experiencing RLS symptoms when you are trying to sleep.

As you can see there are various treatments for RLS that are none medical and it may be advisable to try the natural process first before trying medicine. Please note that where it is mentioned that certain drugs may affect your disorder, you should consult a doctor first before stopping your prescribed drug intake.

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