Are your annoyingly restless legs keeping you up at night when you should be sound asleep? Restless leg syndrome, or RLS, is a condition that can deprive you of the much-needed rest after a long day. As you know, when you do not get enough sleep, you suffer physically, mentally and emotionally. Since the symptoms of RLS often get worse at night, your health can deteriorate significantly in the long run.

But then, there are a number of home remedies to treat RLS. Would you like to know more? Read on!

RLS – An Overview:

The symptoms of RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, differ from person to person (1). Some experience aches and pains while others feel a tingling sensation that does not cease. There are people who also experience a burning sensation in their legs. The severity and duration of the symptoms also vary from one person to the other. The good news is that no matter what the level of discomfort you experience, there are effective home remedies that can help you alleviate it.

Here is a look at the ten effective home remedies that you can use to treat restless leg syndrome:

1. Exercise Regularly:

One of the most effective remedies for RLS is exercise (2). The Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation states that people who suffer from this condition should exercise every day for 30 to 60 minutes. It has been found that those who do so report fewer symptoms, less fatigue, and improved sleep habits.

2. Use Hot Or Cold Compresses:

The application of heat or cold has been known to relieve restless leg syndrome in some people. You should try heating pads, hot compresses or a warm bath as they may help in alleviating the symptoms of the disorder. If they do not work, you could try cold showers or ice packs before you sleep.

3. Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation:

This is a calming ritual that you should practice every night after getting into bed. First, take a deep breath and then tense up your foot muscles. Hold the tension for a couple of seconds and then relax. Next, tense the muscles of your calves, hold for a few seconds and then relax. After this, do the same with the muscles of your thighs. Repeat the exercise, working your way up to other parts of your body. Once you are done, your entire body will feel relaxed, and the symptoms of RLS will be alleviated.

4. Drink Chamomile Tea:

This herbal tea is known to have a calming sedative effect. It will help you relax before you go to bed at night. According to experts, the sleep-inducing effects of chamomile tea may help in relieving the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and give you a good night’s sleep. It is definitely worth a try.

5. Prevent Stress:

Although stress does not cause RLS, it can contribute to exacerbating it. Experts say that it is important to do away with some of the stress in your life to gain relief from this condition. Try yoga, visualization, meditation or take up a new hobby to eliminate stress. They may help you de-stress and keep RLS away.

6. Stretch Your Legs:

This has been known to be highly effective in keep the symptoms of restless leg syndrome away. Lie down on your bed and stretch your legs to their full length, making sure to keep your toes pointed. These intentional movements allow messages to be sent to your brain, and these messages can override the tingling sensations that come with this condition.

7. Keep Your Mind Busy:

According to experts, keeping your mind active can help in controlling the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. You should take up activities that stimulate your brain. Give crossword puzzles, Sudoku or even reading and writing a try. You boost brain activity, and if it works, you could get the rest you badly need once your head hits your pillow.

8. Take Supplements:

There is no hard evidence that supplements can relieve restless leg syndrome (3). However, there have been recent studies that have showed a lot of promise. According to one study, there may be a connection between RLS and Vitamin D deficiency. When supplements were given to the study participants, the symptoms of the condition were found to be significantly improved. Restless leg syndrome has also been associated with vitamins C and E or iron levels that are low in the body.

9. Improve Your Diet:

Making lifestyle changes may help in the reduction of restless leg syndrome. For example, eating a healthy diet can aid in the promotion of good rest and sleep. You should also limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol that you consume. It is of the utmost importance to remember to avoid these substances before you go to bed. Any foods that you know might keep you from sleeping should also be avoided. Lastly, reduce smoking or quit completely if you can.

10. Maintain Proper Sleep Hygiene:

Restless leg syndrome can prevent you from falling asleep. This is why it is vital for you to eliminate any factors that may contribute to sleep deprivation. Maintaining a strict sleep routine is important. Make sure that you go to bed at the same time every night to ensure that sleep is promoted. Find other things that could be keeping you from a good night’s rest and pen them down in a journal. Make it a point to also find out what makes you sleep well and use them to help you.

As you have just read, there are many home remedies, including lifestyle changes, which you can try out to help you gain relief from the discomfort that comes with restless leg syndrome. One important thing that you need to remember is to consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements or using home remedies like herbal tea, especially if you are taking medication.

With the right home remedy, you can gain relief from the symptoms of restless leg syndrome and get better sleep. When you sleep well and get the rest that you need, you improve the quality of your life as well as your overall health.

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The post 10 Effective Home Remedies To Treat Restless Leg Syndrome appeared first on STYLECRAZE.

by Maanasi Radhakrishnan via STYLECRAZE