If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
Soaking in a warm bath and massaging the legs can relax the muscles. Apply warm or cool packs. Use of heat or cold, or alternating use of the two, may lessen the limb sensations. Establish good sleep hygiene.
Even without anemia, iron deficiency can cause or worsen RLS . If you have a history of bleeding from the stomach or bowels, experience heavy menstrual periods, or repeatedly donate blood, you may have iron deficiency. Kidney failure. If you have kidney failure, you may also have iron deficiency, often with anemia.
Dopamine. There's evidence to suggest restless legs syndrome is related to a problem with part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia uses a chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine to help control muscle activity and movement.
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.
Conclusion: This study indicates that vitamin D supplementation improves the severity of RLS symptoms and advocates that vitamin D deficiency is conceivably associated with RLS.
Does having RLS increase the risk of developing PD? Since RLS affects as much as 4-10% of the US adult population, it is clear that the vast majority of those with RLS do not ever develop PD. Despite this, it still might be the case that RLS increases the risk of subsequently developing PD.
No natural or over-the-counter (OTC) medications consistently improve RLS. OTC sleeping medicines such as Benadryl (an antihistamine) and melatonin may actually worsen symptoms.
People with restless leg syndrome (RLS) may benefit from using a weighted blanket. This is because the sensation of the blanket on your legs may override that restless leg feeling. Bear in mind that there are certain people who should avoid weighted blankets.
Taking Magnesium at Night or Before Bed
It helps to relax your muscles, and nerves while facilitating the release of melatonin — the sleep hormone. People who have Restless Leg Syndrome rely on Natural Calm before bed to relieve their condition. Natural Calm magnesium can become a soothing nighttime ritual.
Magnesium citrate may be the most effective type if you want to try a supplement. If you're magnesium deficient, there may be other benefits from increasing your intake of this nutrient. And other remedies are available for leg cramping that may help.
“Magnesium oxide or citrate can be used for kids with restless legs syndrome or kids who just need help settling down at night.”
The FDA has approved gabapentin enacarbil for the treatment of moderate to severe RLS, This drug appears to be as effective as dopaminergic treatment (discussed below) and, at least to date, there have been no reports of problems with a progressive worsening of symptoms due to medication (called augmentation).
One study found that magnesium can help with insomnia and sleep problems caused by RLS, and another that magnesium did indeed provide some relief for certain RLS patients. In some cases, magnesium deficiency is thought to cause RLS, and a deficiency of this key mineral can certainly aggravate RLS symptoms.
Magnesium can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of numerous medications, including some common antibiotics such as tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox) and ofloxacin ...
Don't try melatonin
Melatonin also inhibits the secretion of dopamine, which makes it bad news for restless legs syndrome patients. It might increase RLS symptoms in the evening and night, according to researchers at Sacre-Coeur Hospital in Montreal.
Some people experience stomach cramping after taking too much magnesium (around 600 mg a day). This high dosage, especially supplements with large doses of magnesium oxide, can cause a laxative effect, ironically keeping you up at night, rather than providing the sleep-inducing benefits it's well-known for.
Therefore, magnesium supplements can be taken at any time of the day, as long as you're able to take them consistently. For some, taking supplements first thing in the morning may be easiest, while others may find that taking them with dinner or just before bed works well for them.
Poor circulation & varicose veins
One of the most common causes of restless legs at night is poor circulation, and restless legs are commonly also associated with varicose veins.
To start, restless leg syndrome is considered a sleep disorder. People with RLS experience an intense urge to move their legs when they've been sitting or lying down for a long time. It can also happen when you're sitting in a movie theater, on a road trip or on an airplane.
Symptoms usually go away within a month after delivery. Lifestyle. A lack of sleep or another sleep disorder like apnea can trigger symptoms or make them worse.
If nerve cells become damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is reduced, which causes muscle spasms and involuntary movements. Dopamine levels naturally fall towards the end of the day, which may explain why the symptoms of restless legs syndrome are often worse in the evening and during the night.
The cause of restless legs syndrome in most cases is unknown. Research shows that affected people often have too little or malfunctioning iron in the brain. “We also know that there's some problem with the dopamine system, and patients often have a good response to dopamine medicine,” says Allen.