Moving the legs or walking improves the urge. Hence, RLS interferes with rest and sleep, leading to poor quality of life and productivity. Acupuncture appears to be beneficial in improving RLS severity and sleep in some people with RLS.
Acupoints such as Shenshu (BL23), Xuehai (SP10), Chenshan (BL57), Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Taixi (KD3) are commonly involved in the treatment of RLS (31). As far as the mechanism of action is concerned, it is suggested that acupuncture may target the autonomic nervous system to manifest its effects.
Zusanli (ST36): The Leg Yang Ming Stomach Meridian—the point is located four finger widths (3 inches) down from the bottom of the lateral side of the leg below the knee and 2.5 inches lateral to the tibia (the anterior tibialis muscle).
massaging your legs. taking a hot bath in the evening. applying a hot compress to your leg muscles. doing activities that distract your mind, such as reading or watching television.
Chinese herbal medicine Radix Paeoniae Alba is one of the most commonly used Chinese medicines for the treatment of RLS. It has the functions of relaxing blood vessels, improving distal vascular circulation, regulating and improving blood circulation in extremities.
have iron deficiency anaemia – low levels of iron in the blood can lead to a fall in dopamine, triggering restless legs syndrome.
Magnesium supplementation is often suggested for restless legs syndrome (RLS) or period limb movement disorder (PLMD) based on anecdotal evidence that it relieves symptoms and because it is also commonly recommended for leg cramps.
In most cases, the cause of RLS is unknown. However, RLS often runs in families and specific gene variants have been associated with the condition. Low levels of iron in the brain also may be responsible for RLS. RLS also may be related to a dysfunction in a part of your brain that controls movement.
Sleeping Position
Along with a new mattress, how you sleep is essential to alleviating RLS symptoms. For instance, sleeping on your back is ideal because it evenly distributes your body weight and lets your back muscles relax.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), known as a kind of neurological disease, is prevalent but easy to be ignored. Studies have demonstrated that massage therapy can effectively reduce the symptoms of patients with RLS and improve their quality of life.
Taking magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements can reduce the severity of symptoms of RLS/WED patients and improve their sleep quality.
Stretches for RLS
Slightly bend your right knee and step your left leg back a foot or two, positioning its heel and foot flat on the floor. Hold for 20 to 30 seconds. Now bend your left knee while still keeping its heel and foot flat on the floor. For a deeper stretch, move your foot back a bit farther.
A chiropractor can help treat RLS symptoms and makes body adjustments that aggravate over time. Chiropractors do not rely on medications, but help restore the proper nerve function in the legs. They use alignments and exercises to relieve RLS symptoms, and people can regain their everyday life.
The top three foods to avoid are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods. Additionally, you will also want to avoid any foods or beverages that contain caffeine, since this can stimulate your nerves and make your symptoms more severe. These include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.
The recommended daily amount of elemental magnesium in a supplement form is between 200 to 400 mg daily for adults. Taking it at bedtime should benefit sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome is a common symptom of anxiety. We traced this symptom to the adverse effects of chronic stress. Specifically, apprehensive behavior stresses the body. A body that becomes chronically stressed can exhibit symptoms of stress.
Peppermint oil is one of the essential oils for restless leg. The menthol inside the peppermint leaves can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of your legs. Ten minutes of massage with peppermint oil can work wonders.
Did you know that research shows that ripened bananas are found to contain magnesium, potassium, and a natural form of dopamine? These substances work together and may be a significant help in relieving your restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms.
If you have RLS, you should also see a doctor if you are: Losing sleep often. Feeling depressed or anxious. Having trouble concentrating.
Although there's no cure for restless legs syndrome, medications and lifestyle changes can help minimize symptoms and increase restful sleep. Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and tobacco may help. Taking a hot bath, massaging the legs or using a heating pad or ice pack can also relieve symptoms.
Current Knowledge/Study Rationale: Most evidence to date suggests that brain dopaminergic dysfunction plays a key role in the development of restless legs syndrome (RLS), and vitamin D is essential for the function of the dopaminergic system.