Expert advice to help with restless leg syndrome

You may need help with restless leg syndrome if you have the uncontrollable urge to move your leg as you lie in bed at night. If it's interfering with your sleep, here are a few tips to help.

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED), is a neurological disorder that results in an irresistible urge to move the legs or other parts of the body, especially when sitting or lying down. It is often accompanied by unusual or unpleasant sensations in the affected limb that may be described as creeping, throbbing or pulling.

Because moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed.

Symptoms of restless leg syndrome occur most often in the evening, and can increase in severity during the night. Most people suffering from RLS have trouble falling and staying asleep.

As a result of their sleep deprivation, sufferers of RLS may experience exhaustion, impaired memory, difficulty concentrating or depression. Their personal relations and job performance may be affected.

RLS can be treated, with care directed toward relieving symptoms. Moving the affected limb(s) may provide temporary relief. Sometimes RLS symptoms can be controlled by finding and treating an associated medical condition, such as peripheral neuropathy or diabetes.

Although there is no cure for restless leg syndrome, certain lifestyle changes and activities can be helpful in reducing or treating symptoms for individuals with RLS. These include:

• Eliminate or reduce consumption of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco
• Get regular exercise - walking and stretching can be particularly beneficial
• Take supplements to correct deficiencies in iron, folate, and/or magnesium
• Take a hot bath before bed (a cold shower works better for some individuals)
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Massage the legs
• Use a heating pad or ice pack on affected area
• Eat a well-balanced healthy diet
• Try acupuncture
• Practice relaxation techniques, including deep breathing, yoga and meditation
• Common drugs prescribed include dopaminergics, benzodiazepines (central nervous system depressants), opioids, and anticonvulsants

In some cases, restless leg syndrome may be related to other diseases or conditions such as pregnancy, diabetes, or kidney failure. As well, certain medications may aggravate symptoms in RLS sufferers. It is important to consult with a physician to help rule out other conditions.

Although there is currently no cure, there are many options to get relief and treatment for restless leg syndrome. Consult your doctor for advice on managing your symptoms through lifestyle changes, self care and/or medication.