Sleep Late
Restless legs
syndrome, also called RLS, makes it hard to sleep. Your legs may ache,
burn, tingle, twitch, or jerk. To get the deep sleep you need, try going
to bed a little later and sleeping later in the morning. Those morning
hours ay be some of your best rest.
Keep a Regular Bedtime
Going to sleep and
waking up at the about the same time every day helps just about everyone
sleep better. When you have RLS, it may stop a bad cycle where fatigue
makes your symptoms worse, and then the twitching and tingling ruins
your sleep for another night. Pay attention to how much sleep you need
to feel your best. Most adults need seven to nine hours each night.
Stretch Before You Sleep
Gentle stretching
before bed might help. For a calf stretch, step forward and bend your
front leg while keeping your back leg straight, in a small lunge. You
can put your hand on a wall for support. Repeat on the other side.
Stretching also helps if you've been sitting for a long time.
Cut the Caffeine
Coffee, tea,
chocolate, and cola can all give you a little burst of energy, thanks to
the caffeine, but they can also make your RLS symptoms worse, even
hours later. Cut out this stimulant and you may find it easier to fall
asleep and stay asleep. If you cut down, keep in mind that caffeine can
affect some people for as long as 12 hours.
Soak in a Warm Bath
A warm bath before
bedtime relaxes you and makes it easier to fall asleep. So it's probably
not surprising that this classic way to wind down also reduces the
symptoms of RLS.
Chill or Warm Your Legs
Heating pad or ice
pack? Go with whatever feels good. Either change in temperature can be
soothing. Some people say a cold shower works best.
Make Exercise a Habit
Moderate exercise
during the day pays off with better sleep at night. Walk, jog, lift
weights, or find any exercise you enjoy. One study found that exercise
led to less leg movement and longer and deeper sleep for people with
RLS. Be careful not to overdo it. Intense exercise or working out just
before bedtime could make your symptoms worse.
Exercise Your Brain
Sitting still can
trigger RLS symptoms, such as when you sit down in the evening to watch
TV or you're stuck on a crowded bus. Activities that distract your mind
can sometimes ease your symptoms. Work a crossword puzzle, read a great
book, or play a video game.
Move Your Legs
When your legs ache
or twitch, moving them may ease those uncomfortable feelings. Sometimes
just shaking or moving your legs can help. Choose an aisle seat in a
movie theater or airplane so you can get up easily.
Breathe Deeply
Stress makes RLS
symptoms worse. Release the tension by taking slow, deep breaths. It
also helps to dim the lights and listen to soothing music before you go
to bed.
Massage Your Legs
A calf massage before bed might calm your RLS symptoms and help you get
to sleep. You can do it yourself or trade mini-massages with a family
member. Give your partner a 10-minute shoulder rub, then stretch out
for a leg massage and relax deeply.
Ease Into a Yoga Pose
Yoga combines three
remedies that can reduce mild RLS symptoms: stretching, deep breathing,
and relaxation. Try a class or video to learn the right posture and
pace for each move. Once you know the poses, you can do them on your
own. A podcast can lead you through the moves and include an
eyes-closed, guided relaxation at the end.
Turn Off the TV Before Bed
Watching television
or using the computer just before bed can make it harder to fall
asleep. Sleep experts say you should make the bedroom a TV- and
computer-free zone.
Avoid Alcohol and Cigarettes
Alcohol and
cigarettes can bring on the symptoms of RLS and harm your sleep in other
ways, too. A drink may make you drowsy at first, but you're more likely
to wake up during the night or have poor sleep that doesn’t leave you
feeling rested. The nicotine in cigarettes is what triggers RLS
symptoms, so avoid cigars, "chew," and any other tobacco products.
Ask About Iron Supplements
People with RLS
often have low levels of iron in their blood. Your body needs iron to
make dopamine, a brain chemical that helps control movement. Ask your
doctor whether an iron supplement might help you. If so, take it with a
glass of orange juice or another source of vitamin C to help your body
absorb the iron.
Review Your Medicines
Some cold and
allergy drugs can trigger RLS symptoms, especially some antihistamines.
Some antidepressants and drugs to treat nausea can also cause the same
problem. Tell your doctor about all medicines and supplements you take.
There may be another drug you can take that won’t trigger your RLS
symptoms.
