Restless legs syndrome (abbreviated to RLS) is a sleep disorder which affects approximately 1 in 10 people, whilst it's incurable, the symptoms can be lessened by learning how to calm restless legs. RLS is a condition in which the sufferer experiences a tingly or painful sensation in their legs when they're at rest. Whilst the condition isn't dangerous to a person's health, it can be extremely uncomfortable and cause lack of sleep which can then lead to health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Dietary Habits
A person's diet can have a significant impact on the effect and severity of restless legs
syndrome. As it's important that a sufferer has enough sleep, it's advisable to stay away from caffeine and alcohol prior to bed - as they can both have a detrimental effect on sleep. Furthermore, medical professionals often cite iron deficiency as being a primary cause of restless legs syndrome, so it's important that somebody suffering from RLS eats iron-rich foods such as fish, meat and beans. Conversely, with regards to boosting iron levels, it is possible to buy over-the-counter iron tablets which can be taken just like regular vitamins but this can play a large role in calming restless legs.
syndrome. As it's important that a sufferer has enough sleep, it's advisable to stay away from caffeine and alcohol prior to bed - as they can both have a detrimental effect on sleep. Furthermore, medical professionals often cite iron deficiency as being a primary cause of restless legs syndrome, so it's important that somebody suffering from RLS eats iron-rich foods such as fish, meat and beans. Conversely, with regards to boosting iron levels, it is possible to buy over-the-counter iron tablets which can be taken just like regular vitamins but this can play a large role in calming restless legs.
Develop Fitness Levels
Exercising frequently can help to reduce the chances of RLS in three ways. Firstly, it keeps the muscles active during the day which can reduce the likelihood of RLS. Secondly, exercise allows a person to burn off excess energy which can help them fall asleep and lack of sleep is a common cause of RLS - ironic considering the condition causes sleep deprivation. Thirdly, people who regularly exercise are often in good shape and obesity has been discovered (due to a study conducted on 80,000 women by Harvard University) to increase the likelihood of restless legs syndrome by 42%.
Exercising regularly doesn't have to have a huge impact on free time; tasks such as simply walking the dog, tidying the house, taking the stairs and/or cycling to work can see huge benefits to a person's fitness and health but don't necessitate a huge change in daily routine.
Managing Sleep
As I've indicated, sleep deprivation is a cause of restless legs syndrome, so when learning how to calm restless legs it's important to address the role of sleep. Simple aesthetic changes to a bedroom can make a huge difference in the quality of sleep a person receives - removing televisions, computers and stereos will ensure that your brain simply associates your bedroom with sleeping and not with work or entertainment, making it easier to fall asleep. Furthermore, decorating the room with cool colors, keeping it tidy and organised, installing an air humidifier and minimizing the entry of light will allow a person to fall asleep much easier and enjoy a better quality sleep.
Distraction Techniques
Restless legs syndrome isn't a psychological condition, but focusing on the symptoms can certainly make them seem worse. Distracting your brain can help relieve the impact of RLS and help a person drift off into an undisturbed sleep - I recommend mentally counting in 3s or 4s as it becomes difficult and eventually requires great focus.
