Natural Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome – No Drugs Required!

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Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and felt a strange tingly, creeping or crawling feeling on your leg?

Perhaps the sensation is more like a throbbing, a pulling, pins and needles, or maybe you feel as though you just have to itch your leg.

That’s it! You’re wide awake now due to this uncontrollable urge to move your leg.

Chances are you have restless leg syndrome.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) wouldn’t be considered your typical sleep disorder, as it can also occur while you’re sitting or resting.

However, these weird feelings most commonly materialize at night, especially while you’re in bed.

I’d like to discuss the different options that can be used as a natural treatment for restless leg syndrome, but first let’s find out a little more about this bedtime affliction.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome, formerly known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes sufferers to feel uncomfortable sensations in the legs (although some people have experienced the same condition in the arms, and far more infrequently, in the chest or head).

The feelings can range from a mild irritation like “a tickle that won’t stop” or “an itch you can’t scratch”, to an aching in the leg muscles, to all-out unbearable physical pain.

With that being said, most people report mild symptoms of RLS.

However, if you’re someone who suffers moderate to severe symptoms of restless leg syndrome, it’s probably had a huge impact on your life.

Regular bouts of nightly RLS will affect your sleeping patterns, which in turn will lead to difficulty focusing and concentrating on daytime activities, such as school, work, and your social activities.

Eventually the sleepless nights and the constant tiredness, mental and physical fatigue can lead to anxiety and depression.

Who Does RLS Affect?

It is estimated that up to 10% of adults are affected by restless leg syndrome.

RLS can start at any age, including from childhood, and many people find that the symptoms get progressively worse as they age.

Restless leg syndrome is more prevalent in women than men and the most severe cases are typically seen in people who are middle-aged or older.

Interestingly, the Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation conducted a survey among their members and found that 45% of subjects endured their first symptoms before the age of 20.

Research into RLS has led some researchers to claim that the disorder is caused by issues with the brain chemical dopamine, whereas others conclude poor circulation is to blame.

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

We can actually put the cause of restless leg syndrome into two very distinct camps, which are primary RLS and secondary RLS.

Primary Restless Leg Syndrome

Primary restless leg syndrome is often referred to as idiopathic RLS.

An idiopathic disease is basically a condition that arises spontaneously and the reasons for this are unknown.

So, in truth, the main cause of Primary RLS is unknown. There are a number of factors that could be attributable:

There could be genetic factors to RLS, especially when the initial symptoms are present before you hit the age of 40. In fact, various studies have shown that certain gene variants may be responsible for up to 50% of RLS cases.

These “gene variants” may in some way affect the release and function of dopamine in the brain. It is dopamine that allows us to carry out normal, everyday movements. The disruption of dopamine movement is also closely linked with several movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease being the most common.

RLS has often been associated with a deficiency of iron in the brain. Iron is actually involved in the process of producing dopamine.

Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome

As the name suggests, secondary restless leg syndrome is typically caused by something else (another condition, issue, etc.) These include:

  • Kidney disease
  • Pregnancy, but most often in the third trimester
  • Varicose veins
  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine
  • Caffeine
  • Antidepressants
  • Certain cold and allergy medications

RELATED POST ====> How Does Alcohol Affect Sleep?

The Not-So-Natural Treatments for Restless Leg Syndrome

If you are suffering from moderate to severe RLS your doctor will often recommend certain forms of medication.

The first and most common medication prescribed would be dopaminergic drugs. These drugs will help to increase the flow of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone, and among other things, it helps to facilitate normal movements of the body.

There are 3 specific dopaminergic drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, namely pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine.

However, doctors will generally only prescribe the lowest possible dosage of these drugs, as long-term use can lead to the symptoms of RLS worsening.

Other drugs often prescribed for restless leg syndrome include:

  • Gabapentin, which is actually an anti-seizure drug, but various medical studies have shown it can be effective in the treatment of RLS.
  • Benzodiazepines are generally used to treat anxiety and sleep issues. These drugs won’t actually relieve the symptoms of RLS, but they are known to improve the quality of sleep, which may be equally helpful to someone suffering with RLS.
  • Opioids can be used in extremely low doses to treat restless leg syndrome. But this is usually seen as a last resort due to the higher risk of dependence, and in some cases, misuse.

Let’s Look at a More Natural Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome

Good Sleeping Habits

I know this is a theme of many articles on the site, but there’s a reason for that.

Good and healthy sleeping habits may not completely cure you of restless leg syndrome, but a peaceful night’s sleep can definitely help to offset many of the symptoms.

I don’t wish to compile a great big list of what is considered “good sleeping habits”, as there are numerous articles on this website that cover these in more specific detail.

Suffice to say, these habits involve:

  • Going to sleep and waking up at the same times every day.
  • Avoid electronics in the bedroom and try not to use these items (smartphone, laptop, tablet, TV, etc.) at least an hour before bedtime, two hours if possible.
  • Ensure your sleep area is dark, cool, and quiet.

There are many other factors that can affect your sleep, but as I say these are covered in more detail in many of my other articles.

If you are particularly interested in creating healthy sleeping habits and good sleep hygiene I would suggest you check out my review of Peter Litchfield’s fantastic Six Steps to Sleep Program.

Aerobic and Resistance Exercises

Please don’t groan.

The importance of exercise for your mental and physical well-being, as well reducing the symptoms of RLS and improving your overall quality of sleep cannot be endorsed enough.

A study of 23 people with RLS was conducted in 2006. The participants performed aerobic exercise and resistance training for the lower body, three times a week. The results – all patients cited a significant decrease in their symptoms of RLS.

There have been various other studies which have proven time-and-time again that exercise is extremely effective for RLS.

Exercise is also a great way to help improve the overall quality of your night’s sleep (as long as it’s not performed just before bedtime).

It is suggested that if you suffer with RLS that you only exercise in moderation, as in don’t workout until you’re aching and in pain, as this will just exacerbate your symptoms.

Stretching Exercises and Yoga

Most forms of exercise will have major benefits if you suffer with restless leg syndrome, but this is especially true in terms of stretching and yoga.

Two separate studies performed in 2012 and 2013 respectively found that the symptoms of RLS were vastly improved through the practice of yoga.

All participants also commented how it improved their mood and drastically reduced their stress levels, which once again is extremely important if you wish to improve the quality of sleep.

Practicing regular upper leg and calf stretches by simply adding these to your daily workout will also be beneficial.

Massage

A number of health organizations, including the National Sleep Foundation, suggest that massage should often be performed at home for those of you who suffer with restless leg syndrome.

The Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies conducted a study in 2006 on a 35-year old woman who suffered with RLS.

The 3-week study saw the patient undergo sports massage techniques, myofascial release, deep tissue and trigger point therapy. The focus was on the hamstring and piriformis muscles and massage was conducted twice a week, for 45 minutes at a time.

The subject claimed that her symptoms of RLS dramatically reduced after just two sessions and didn’t return until 2 whole weeks after the study had completed.

As with exercise, massage can also help to relax the mind and body, which can help to improve the quality of sleep.

Iron and Vitamin Supplements

As I’ve alluded to an iron deficiency can be one of the causes of restless leg syndrome.

Once again, there have been several studies that have demonstrated the effectiveness of iron supplements at easing the symptoms of RLS.

There is also evidence that a vitamin D deficiency could be linked to restless leg syndrome.

I would recommend speaking to your doctor who can arrange a simple blood test to check for either iron or vitamin D deficiencies.

If this is the case, you will usually be recommended oral iron supplements and a vitamin D supplement respectively.

Hot and Cold Treatments

I just wanted to quickly touch on the use of hot and cold treatments.

There are those who suffer with RLS that swear by the use of heating pads or ice packs.

The Restless Leg Syndrome Foundation and the National Sleep Foundation also recommend applying hot and cold packs to the legs, or having a hot or cold bath before sleep.

However, there is no actual scientific evidence to support the use of hot and cold treatment for RLS.

And That’s a Wrap

So, there you have it.

We’ve looked at what restless leg syndrome is, what causes it, and who it mainly affects.

I’ve also discussed certain drugs and medications that are prescribed for RLS before looking at the various natural treatments for restless syndrome.

We now know that RLS affects up to 10% of adults and I’m sure many of you may have displayed symptoms previously without ever putting a name to the “condition”.

Restless leg syndrome isn’t just about suffering while you lie in your bed, it can also have a knock-on effect on the overall quality of your sleep.

I would suggest that your first port of call is look at improving your sleep habits and sleep hygiene, as this where your issues may stem from.

Have you suffered with restless leg syndrome?

Is this an ongoing problem?

Has this article just given you a “light-bulb moment” and some of those sleepless nights are now starting to make sense?

If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

RELATED POST====> My number ONE recommendation for all insomnia sufferers out there. If you want to know How to Treat Insomnia Naturally please take a moment to read my review on what I believe is the best natural cure for insomnia. My review of the Blue Heron Insomnia Program.

8 thoughts on “Natural Treatment for Restless Leg Syndrome – No Drugs Required!”

  1. There is some great information in this article!

    I have not suffered from such a condition, but I do know people who have. I’m sure they will find this very helpful!

    Thank you for the article and keep up the great work!
    -Joseph

    Reply
    • Hi Joseph,

      Nice to hear from you.

      Yes, Restless Leg Syndrome is definitely more common than you may think.

      I’m glad if the article can be of help to someone, so please do share with whomever you wish.

      Thanks
      Partha

      Reply
  2. Hello Partha,
    Its a huge surprise that i landed on your site because this was something i was looking for over the last couple of days. I recently felt a strange creepy feeling in my leg and i didn’t know what it was until i just found out on your site that it is restless leg syndrome and its good that you even wrote about the treatments. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.

    Reply
    • Hi Morgan,

      Well now you know.

      It does sound like a mild case of RLS if you’re at the “creeping” stage, but I’m sure you’ll find some of the methods and techniques discussed here to be very helpful.

      Please let me know how you get on.

      Partha

      Reply
  3. Whaoa! Restless leg syndrome……So that’s what it’s called – that horrible tingling in the feet that sometimes wakes you up during the night. Thanks for this really informative piece.

    Although this does’t happen to me often, I have found that use of a heat pad as recommended by the RLS and National Sleep Foundations which you mentioned, tends to help. Now that I have read your article, I think I will be off to the doctor to see about getting some blood work done.

    Thanks

    Ceci

    Reply
    • Hi Ceci,

      Great to hear from you.

      Sorry about your experiences, I know just how frustrating it can be.

      Yes, as I’ve mentioned hot and cold treatments are often recommended, and many people seem to feel that this does the trick, but as I say, there isn’t any real scientific evidence to back up why this works. Who knows!

      Please do let me know how you get on with the Doctor.

      Partha

      Reply
  4. Hey Partha,

    What a comprehensive yet informative piece on RLS!

    I haven’t heard of the condition till today when I visited your website but I feel like I can talk intelligently about it, thanks to the way you’ve covered the topic from what it is to how to manage it, what causes it to when it is likely to occur, etc.

    What I found most useful though are the good sleeping habits you have recommended. Thanks, loads.

    Femi

    Reply
    • Hi Femi,

      Thank you so much for your kind comments.

      Yes, definitely RLS is not something that everyone may be aware of, but for those who do suffer with this affliction it can be absolutely awful.

      I’m glad that the mention of good sleeping habits caught your eye, as this is something I wholeheartedly agree with.

      I have also written a review of The Six Steps to Sleep Program which focuses on good sleeping habits.

      Thanks
      Partha

      Reply

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