Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by the compelling urge to move your legs, particularly when in bed and trying to sleep. The movement is triggered by strange or uncomfortable feelings, often described as pulling, crawling and itching deep within both legs. However, various natural remedies for restless leg syndrome can eliminate the symptoms without side effects.
Can restless leg syndrome affect anyone?
Restless leg syndrome can affect people of any age. However, certain groups of people tend to be more susceptible, including:
- Pregnant women.
- Middle-aged and older people.
- People suffering from a sleep disorder, called periodic limb movement disorder.
- Those with a parent who experienced RLS.
- People on antidepressant medications.
Restless leg syndrome in children
Restless leg syndrome was thought to be an adult disorder but research shows that it sometimes starts in childhood.
Children experience the same tingling and pulling sensations in their legs as adults do with restless leg syndrome. However, they may have a hard time describing it. In addition, they are more likely than adults to have the syndrome during the day.
A child with restless leg syndrome will appear irritable, inattentive or fidgety. In addition, they are described as disruptive or hyperactive. Performing natural remedies for restless leg syndrome can help address these issues and enhance their school performance.
Diagnosing RLS in children
To diagnose restless leg syndrome in children up to age 12, the adult criteria must be met, including:
- Symptoms worsen at night.
- Symptoms are triggered when relaxing or sleeping.
- The irresistible urge to move, along with solid sensations.
- Symptoms ease when they move.
Some children don’t notice they are uncomfortable but they experience poor sleep due to restless leg syndrome. The child must be able to define the symptoms or the leg sensation in their own words. Otherwise, two of these must be true:
- A biological parent or sibling had RLS.
- Clinical sleep disturbance for age.
- A study on sleep confirms a periodic movement index of five or more per hour of sleep.
Children dealing with restless leg syndrome must avoid caffeine and develop good bedtime habits.
Ten natural remedies for restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome is a lifelong condition that might get worse with age. In some cases, people go into remission and don’t have the symptoms for days or even years. It’s better to talk to people who know what you’re going through, whether it’s a family member suffering from RLS or a support group.
Here are the top natural remedies for restless leg syndrome:
Adopt healthy habits
Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol can trigger the symptoms; eliminating all these substances can bring RLS relief. Moreover, keep up a healthy sleep regimen by sticking to a regular bedtime and wake time.
Exercise
Moderate exercise during the day helps you get better sleep at night. Lift weights, walk, jog or find another exercise you enjoy. However, be careful not to overdo it.
Move your legs
When your legs twitch or ache, moving them can relieve those uncomfortable feelings. Moreover, you should always choose an aisle seat in a movie theater or airplane so you can get up quickly if you need to.
Breathe deeply
Stress, anxiety or depression makes restless leg syndrome more critical. Release your tension with slow deep breaths. These natural remedies for restless leg syndrome will bring you relief from the discomfort.
Stretch before you sleep
Gentle stretching before bedtime is helpful. For example, step forward for a calf stretch, bend your front leg at the knew and keep your back leg straight in a slight lunge. You can also put your hands on a wall for support.
Soak in a warm bath
A warm bath before bedtime helps you relax and makes it easier to fall asleep. This traditional way to wind down also reduces the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Use an RLS wand
It is one of the best natural remedies for restless leg syndrome specifically designed to relieve RLS. It’s a safe, easy-to-use device that allows you to regain control of your life naturally.
A heat pad or ice pack
Applying a warm or cold compress to the affected area or alternating cold and hot therapy can soothe the symptoms of restless leg syndrome (go with whatever feels good).
Exercise your brain
Everybody knows that sitting still can trigger RLS symptoms. Therefore, perform activities that distract your mind. For instance, read a great book or solve a crossword puzzle.
Massage your legs
A calf massage before going to bed can calm your RLS symptoms. You can do it yourself or trade mini-massages with a family member.
The bottom line
When you spot restless leg syndrome early and make adjustments as well as get advice, therapy or natural remedies for restless leg syndrome, you will be doing your child a favor that will last a lifetime. RLS Remedy doesn’t only guide patients to get effective treatments for restless leg syndrome, they also provide high-end, results-driven products to treat RLS naturally.
