Behavioral Changes and Restless Legs Syndrome
Behavioral Changes and Restless Legs Syndrome – A few tweaks in our daily routines can go a long way in helping us overcome twitchy legs. Watch this video to learn about behavioral changes and restless legs syndrome.
Expert: Suzanne Phillips, M.D. Mount Sinai Hospital
Transcript
The “creepy, crawly” feeling that is characteristic of restless legs syndrome can range from an occasional occurrence to nightly upset. For people in the former category, a doctor may start by recommending lifestyle changes which can help abate symptoms. Behavioral modifications can curb the discomfort caused by restless legs.
A good place to start is by improving sleep hygiene, which is a series of guidelines that should make falling asleep as easy as possible. Sleep hygiene involves keeping the bedroom at a cool, comfortable temperature, and ensuring that no outside noise enters the room. Maintaining a regular schedule, which means going to bed at the same time every night and rising at the same time every morning, is another vital part of sleep hygiene. (And yes, even on the weekends!)
When adjusting their sleep schedule to a more regular pattern, some restless leg sufferers may find that going to bed later improves sleep, as symptoms do tend to subside as the night wears on.
Finally, it’s important to reserve the bedroom as a place that is ONLY used for sleep and sex. That means no reading, television, or restless pacing allowed in the bedroom!
Caffeine is commonly found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and many over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, appetite suppressants, and cold remedies. In addition, both alcohol and nicotine have been shown to aggravate some cases of RLS, and cutting back on smoking and drinking, particularly close to bedtime, may help.
Daily exercise can help ease RLS symptoms, as well. Some people with the condition find that exercising a few hours before bedtime relieves discomfort later.
Other treatments for RLS are more “in the moment.” Although some of them may seem obvious, patients with more mild cases of restless legs may find them helpful. For example, over-the-counter pain relievers containing ibuprofen may help ease twitching and aches. In addition, soaking in a hot bath, or administering gentle self-massage, have both been shown to moderately ease the ache of RLS.
Other patients with RLS find that learning relaxation techniques, such as yoga, can help curb nightly leg movement.
If these basic behavior modifications don’t ease the symptoms of RLS, a doctor can prescribe medication to relieve discomfort.
Restless legs syndrome can be a huge cause of lost sleep, but there IS help for treating many of its symptoms! If you’re concerned about RLS, please make an appointment to speak with your doctor.
Last Modified: 2014-01-17
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
