Inside: Restless legs keeping you awake at night? Check out these tips and tricks for restless legs. They are easy to do and help you sleep well at night.
I still remember the first time I had restless legs. I was in high school and couldn't get to sleep. I kept feeling like my legs wanted to run. Which was kind of funny, since I hate running. Hours later without sleep it wasn't so funny. I had no idea what was happening.
It wasn't until years later that I even heard of restless leg syndrome. I realized that is what I had dealt with on and off for years. I have since learned some tricks for restless legs. If you have restless legs every night, this probably isn't for you. But, if your like me that has a flare up every week or so these tricks for restless legs would be great.
Magnesium
Magnesium is my favorite way to get rid of restless legs. My doctor recommended it a couple of years ago. I keep a bottle in my nightstand and if I feel restless leg coming on I take one. About 95% percent of the time this takes care of the restless legs. Magnesium is cheap and you can pick it up at any drug store. Just check with your doctor before you take it.
Relax
I have heard stress can increase restless legs so I always try to decompress before bed if I am having problems with my legs. Sometimes I just take the dogs out for a short walk or relax in a warm bath. Yoga is another great way to relax.
Avoid Drinks
Both alcohol and caffeine can cause restless legs, so if you're having problems make sure you avoid these. This can be tough sometimes because I think it is relaxing to sit down with a glass of wine. If you want something more than water try tonic water. I can't stand the taste, but tonic water has quinine in it which is supposed to help with restless legs.
Blackstrap Molasses
Iron, calcium, and potassium deficiencies have all been linked to restless legs. Blackstrap molasses is full of iron, calcium and potassium. It sure doesn't taste great, but you can try two tablespoons to help with the restless legs. I hate the taste so I pinch my nose and "drink" it quick. There are different types of molasses, make sure you get blackstrap.
Bananas
Bananas is another great way to get some potassium. I like to eat a banana about 30 minutes before I go to bed. It works great as a health snack and I get the potassium I need. It's easy and it definitely tastes better than the molasses or tonic. If you have kids that have restless legs this can be a great one to do for them.
Lotion
Epson salt lotion can be great to help with restless legs. I like to add a bit of lavender oil to make it smell great and relax me. If your legs are really restless you can get a leg cramp lotion. I use bengay or aspercreme which pretty much does the same thing. It's a warming feeling that tends to distract from the restless legs.
I am not a doctor, and I definitely recommend you talk to your doctor before you try the magnesium, but these tips and tricks have really helped me with my restless legs. What tricks for restless legs do you have?
Pamela W. says
I have had this issue since my teenage years and I got a tip back then that has made life so much easier since - lie on your back with your butt as close to a wall as possible (I usually do this on my bed as it's far more comfortable than the floor!) resting your legs up on the wall for ten or twenty minutes or as long as you feel comfortable. The blood drains a bit and swelling in the legs and feet reduce. I do this right before bed and have had better sleep because of it. I've been doing it so long that I notice now if I miss a night!
Julie says
I will have to try this next time. Thank you so much for the tip!
viah fey says
I've been suffering my RLS for two years and nothing changed by taking all those different kinds of prescription. One day i realized why not trying the famous asian culture medicine which was the acupuncture. Yes i did !in the very first day of my acupuncture session on that night i had a very peaceful sleep. Till now I'll keep on doing it twice a week. There's no more worries at all of thinking how can i got up in the morning going to work when i don't any sleep at night . Now very thankful and lifes going back to normal.
I'm still taken my magnisium suppliment, iron trying to be active. Hopefully you guys just try if you think your medication doesn't work..
Thank you!
Viah fey
Julie says
Thanks for the suggestions!
Jennifer S. says
Just recently I've started having a problem with this. Thanks for this post. It gives me some ideas.
Julie says
Your welcome, I hope it helps.
Suzie says
Thank you so much....I've suffered since high school too. I thought I was crazy at first! But I've been managing it for 20+ years now by taking an iron supplement, avoiding caffeine as much as possible and not getting over-tired (seems to always get triggered by getting too tired). I can get instant relief during mild episodes by laying on my stomach. A doctor has explained to me that this works because it applies pressure all along the front of the leg and engages all the nerves which kind of "overrides" the system. Again, only works for mild cases. I can't wait to try the magnesium. Thanks again!
Julie says
Your welcome!
Shelly says
My husband struggles with restless legs. We found something that seems odd but has helped him. It's placing a bar of soap in the sheets at the bottom of the bed. I know it sounds odd, but when it's there he has an improvement in his restless legs.
My FIL also has found that tonic water can help, if you can get it down. It's not very tasty at all. Thanks for sharing these ideas.
Julie says
Thanks for the tips! I might have to try the bar of soap.
Lydia says
I have learned to live with restless legs for years now. thank you so much for your helpful tips.
Julie says
Your Welcome! 🙂
Carrie Groneman says
GREAT tips and so glad I stopped by! Carrie, A Mother's Shadow
Julie says
Thanks for stopping by!
Stella Lee@ Purfylle says
This something so many of us struggle with. Years ago I cut my coffee intake back to before lunch only and now I only have one in the morning. Magnesium deficiency is certainly a cause of insomnia and taking it also helps your muscles relax so I take for back pain management as well. Such great tips!Who knew bananas had so many uses? I'd love you to share them at Two Uses Tuesday. http://www.purfylle.com/2015/04/two-uses-tuesday-link-up-23.html