Restless Legs Syndrome

Filed in archive Sleep Disorders on February 10, 2007

Do you have trouble sleeping because of strange sensations in your legs? This is restless legs syndrome. It feels like bugs are crawling on your legs, especially on the calves. Your legs tickle. They itch. You move them, trying to alleviate the sensation. You have the urge to keep moving your legs as you seek relief.

Unfortunately, all the restlessness doesn't help. The sensations may vary from person to person, but the results are the same. You get up and you walk the floor, massage your calves or try a few exercises. And all you get is another night without proper rest.

Remedy Find explains it this way:

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings. RLS can be divided into two types: primary or idiopathic (not having a known cause); and secondary (caused by a medication or another health condition). Primary RLS is a central nervous system disorder.

What can you do to alleviate the misery? The Health Families Blog has these suggestions:

Decrease or completely eliminate caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

Increasing your intake of vitamins B12 and E, iron, folate and magnesium may offer some relief.

Movement does relieve the symptoms but only for a short while. Exercise before bed to release pent up tension from the day.

Try mild relaxants, massages, and a warm bath before bed.