What can you do for restless legs?
Restless Legs (RLS) or, itchy legs or restless legs are no fun. In fact, long-term RLS can lead to severe fatigue and sleep deprivation. Fortunately, something can be done about it.
You can make adjustments in your lifestyle to reduce symptoms to some extent. It is always useful to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor first, to be sure that it is RLS.
sleep hygiene
By ensuring a healthy sleep, you can reduce the symptoms surrounding RLS itself. In fact, the same rules apply as for anyone else who wants to sleep well.
Some rules for good sleep hygiene:
- Get rhythm. Go to bed at set times and get up at the same time. Even if you haven’t slept very well.
- Do not sleep too much and keep afternoon naps to a maximum of half an hour.
- Tidy up the bedroom. Get fresh air, make it dark and do nothing but sleep, so don’t watch TV.
- Do not go to sleep on a full or empty stomach. Do not drink too much or you will have to urinate at night. Also be careful with alcohol, this can actually keep you awake!
- Relax. Build up your day before bed and avoid vigorous exercise before bed. Stop worrying and try to relax.
- In this special you will find more tips for a healthy night’s sleep.
lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle can also contribute to a reduction in RLS complaints. Actually, these are also very normal, healthy rules of thumb:
- Get plenty of exercise during the day
- Don’t exercise too much
- Eat as healthy and regularly as possible
- Avoid caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and some soft drinks
- Try not to smoke and drink alcohol
- Only use supplements such as iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium in consultation with your doctor. These could make the symptoms worse.
Many people also say they benefit from massage, hot or cold compresses, meditation and yoga. Negative feelings also seem to aggravate the complaints. Sometimes it helps to find a distraction to be able to sit still. You can find out for yourself what works for you.
Medicines
All these tips should help you, but sometimes you need to start taking medication. You can go to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and you can have your blood tested to see if you have an iron deficiency. In that case, an iron supplement can help. He can also assess whether you are taking medication that makes your symptoms worse or whether there is another underlying cause.
Finally, he can prescribe medications that can treat RLS. You are eligible if you suffer from RLS at least twice a week, twice a night. You will not be cured with the medicines, but in general the complaints can be kept under control in this way.
