The restless leg syndrome is a nervous system disorder, which makes it impossible for people to sleep at night- it causes them to twitch their legs all the time, often resulting in sleeplessness and anxiety. It can sometimes be connected to other conditions like- kidney, lungs, heart, arthritis, circulatory problems, etc. But sometimes, it can also be due to excess of caffeine consumption or zero to little exercise.
1. Walk
If you find yourself caught with this problem late in the night, the best thing would be to get up and walk around the house. This will calm your legs and hopefully keep them still, while you are trying to get some sleep.
2. Reduce Your Consumption of Caffeine
Coffee is not the only carrier of caffeine. Sodas, chocolates, tea, and some medicines may also contain caffeine. Cut down your intake of medications and foods that have caffeine, or substitute them with decaffeinated varieties. Avoid tobacco and alcohol, which are detrimental to your health.
3. Take a Shower
A warm shower or bath before going to sleep will help to relax the muscles, and is helpful to calm down your jittery legs.
4. Change in Temperature
At times, a simple trick that would work is a change in temperature- from hot to cold or from cold to hot. Put a hot pack or a heating pad on your legs, for some time. If it doesn’t make you feel better, put a cool towel on your legs, or dip them in cold water.
5. Eat Well
Some studies suggest that restless legs are a result of deficiency of magnesium, iron or folate. Make sure that you eat foods that are rich in nutrients, and that you get a healthy supply of minerals and vitamins.
6. Make a Schedule
Get to your bed at the same time every night. Allow yourself to sleep for a full night as this will help prevent fatigue, which could also be another factor responsible for the restless legs syndrome.
7. Give Your Legs Some Exercise
Do not engage in excessive exercise as this will aggravate your problem. However, some amount of moderate exercise helps. Taking a moderately paced daily walk is a great exercise, even for people who have not indulged in physical exercise for quite some time.
8. Wear Your Socks to Bed
Experts suggest that a number of people suffering from the restless leg syndrome have cold feet. So it’d be nice to keep your toes warm. Pull on your socks and hope to feel better.
9. Stay Away from Stress
Don’t stress yourself- while stress is not the cause of the restless leg syndrome, it can aggravate your problem. Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, visualization, etc.
10. Alter Your Medication
Certain allergy pills and cold medications may have stimulants that might cause jittery legs. Be aware of your medication. Ask your pharmacist for non-stimulating alternatives or any other help.
Please do share this important information with your friends and family!