Restless leg syndrome is a type of neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable movement in your limbs during inactivity, such as resting or sleeping. Common symptoms associated with RLS include a tingling sensation, a feel of pulling, itching or pain, according to Dr. Lawrence J. Epstein, author of "The Harvard Medical School Guide to A Good Night's Sleep." Although you cannot cure RLS, you can treat it by targeting the sensations that occur. The cause of RLS can be a lack of vitamins, too much caffeine or alcohol, or a neurological disruption that requires medication.
Instructions
1. Increase your iron intake with food. Iron can be found in seafood, poultry and red meats, which should be consumed in limited portions because of the high amount of saturated fat. Iron can also be found in vegetables including spinach and in tofu, raisins, grits, whole-wheat bread, beans and oatmeal, according to the National Institutes of Health.
2. Take vitamin supplements. Iron supplements can provide your daily requirement of iron when taken daily. According to the National Institutes of Health, men between the ages of 19 and 50 need 8mg of iron, and women the same age need 18mg.
3. Reduce intake of caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can stay in for up to eight hours, which can disrupt your sleep and exacerbate RLS. To reduce the risk of RLS-related sleep disturbances, do not consume caffeine after 2 p.m. Alcohol also can interrupt your sleep schedule.
4. Exercise daily. According to Epstein, getting at least 30 minutes of exercise daily can provide relief to your condition. You can also reduce symptoms by stretching before and after exercising, as well as taking a hot bath to relax your body.
5. Visit your doctor. Your physician might prescribe medication to help sleep through your RLS or eliminate symptoms. Benzodiazepines assist in sleeping, and they often are prescribed for insomniacs as well as RLS sufferers. Opiates are helpful because they can significantly reduce leg movement and other discomforts during RLS.
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