Restless legs syndrome: home care tips

Restless Legs Syndrome: tips that may help

Mild cases of restless leg syndrome may be helped by making a few lifestyle changes.

• Stress and anxiety – stress reduction techniques like deep breathing or yoga may help.
• Exercise – gentle regular exercise during the day can help ease restlessness at night but avoid any rigorous exercise in the hour before you go to bed as this could have opposite effect in some people.
• Sleeping – following a regular bedtime ritual and sleeping regular hours can help.
• Nicotine – if you smoke then quitting should help.
• Alcohol and Caffeine – avoiding alcohol and caffeine late at night can also help with a good night’s sleep. Try cutting out coffee, tea, colas, sports drinks, and even chocolate to see if your symptoms improve or worsen.
• Massage and hot baths: Using massage and hot baths to stimulate the legs may also help.
• Medicines – certain medicines can make restless legs syndrome worse. In particular, antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs and certain antidepressants. Consult your doctor if you think your restless legs symptoms worsen after taking new medication.
• Sleep diary – keeping a diary can be a useful tool to pinpoint your personal triggers and gauge the severity of your symptoms

Restless legs symptoms are also seen in some people with kidney failure and diabetes. Treating these conditions will often calm the restless legs.

Always tell your doctor if your symptoms get noticeably worse.

The charity Restless Legs Syndrome UK provides information and support for people affected by restless legs syndrome.