How Do You Stop Restless Legs Syndrome At Night?

Do you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome, or think you might?

Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is a common condition of the nervous system that causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs.

To help raise awareness of Restless Legs Awareness Day on 23rd September, we thought you might appreciate some help for Restless Leg Syndrome in the form of useful tips and resources.

We’ve put together a list of possible symptoms to help you identify Restless Leg Syndrome:

• An overwhelming urge to move your legs
• An unpleasant crawling or creeping sensation in your feet, calves and thighs
• Sensation is worse at night and can sometimes affect your arms
• Involuntary jerking of the legs, known as periodic limb movements (PLM)

These symptoms can vary from mild to severe. It can be very distressing and disrupt your daily life. Although not life threatening, it can disrupt sleep (causing insomnia) and trigger depression and anxiety.

The NHS website states that unfortunately there is no obvious cause of Restless Legs Syndrome. We understand how frustrating this must be to sufferers so have listed some possible causes, also outlined by the NHS:

• It’s inherited. Idiopathic, or primary, restless legs syndrome can run in families.
• It may be to do with how the body handles a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is involved with muscle movement and may be responsible for the involuntary leg movements.
• It could be caused by an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure.
• There is a link between pregnancy and Restless Legs Syndrome. Some women can experience it in their final trimester though it is not clear why this is. In most cases, Restless Legs Syndrome disappears after giving birth.

Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition that can affect anyone at any time. However, it is more common in middle age.

Set yourself up for a good night’s sleep:
RLS symptoms ease if you feel relaxed and can drift into a comfortable sleep. This can be achieved by choosing a bed and/or mattress that offers proper support. Contact us today to learn how to find the right sleep products for your needs.

Have a regular bedtime ritual and try to sleep at the same time each night.

If you smoke, try to quit or cut down. Visit your GP for help.

Regular exercise during the day may help you rest easier at night.

Try self-massage for your legs in the evening. You can maximise the indulgence by lighting some candles, diffusing some essential oils, and gently massaging your legs as you relax. Do you have a partner at home? Perhaps they can help you.

Fully relax into your evening by taking a hot bath. Fill with epsom salts that will ease sore muscles.

Use a hot compress or warm flannel on your legs to help your muscles relax.

Do some relaxing activities in the evening that will take your mind off the sensation in your legs. Reading or watching TV are passive, peaceful hobbies to help you wind down.

Practice yoga or tai chi before going to bed. These relaxing exercises will stretch your muscles, calm your nervous system and relax the mind before you nod off.

Before you settle down for the evening, go for a post-dinner walk. The fresh air and gentle stretch will prepare your mind and body for a good night’s sleep.

Some people with severe symptoms may need medication to regulate the levels of dopamine and iron in their body.

At the time of writing this blog, all information has been taken from NHS website, please visit their page here for more information about RLS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/.

The charity RLS-UK also provides useful information and support.

We aren’t medical experts but we do pride ourselves on knowing how to match our customers to the right bed or mattress. Contact us today and we can help you achieve a comfortable sleep for many years.