Restless Legs: When Your Legs Never Know Rest

Do you regularly experience restless legs in bed at night? Do you toss and turn because of ticklish legs , tingling, or an irresistible urge to move? Then you're likely dealing with restless legs syndrome , also known as restless legs . This article explains the causes of restless legs , their symptoms, treatment options, and home remedies .

What exactly are restless legs?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition in which you experience an annoying, tingling, or itching sensation in your legs, especially when you're resting. Symptoms most often occur in the evening or during the night, leading to sleep problems or even sleeplessness .

Symptoms can range from a mild restlessness in the legs to pain, tingling, or a feeling of something crawling under the skin. This is often relieved by movement, which can lead people to constantly stretch, wiggle, or massage their legs.

Common symptoms

• Restless legs in bed or when sitting

• An irresistible urge to move your legs

• Tingling legs at night

• Painful legs , especially in the lower legs

• Worsening of complaints in the evening or at night

• Relief of complaints through exercise

Some people not only have restless legs , but also restless arms or even moving legs during sleep , which is known as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD).

Causes of restless legs: what is the basis?

The exact cause of restless legs syndrome is not yet fully understood, but researchers suspect a dysfunction in the brain's dopamine system. Dopamine plays a key role in muscle control.

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• Restless legs due to heredity.
• Restless legs due to pregnancy.
• Restless legs due to menopause.
• Restless legs due to kidney problems.
• Restless legs due to antidepressants.
• Restless legs due to stress and fatigue.

Restless legs during pregnancy

RLS is surprisingly common during pregnancy. One in four pregnant women experience restless legs during pregnancy . The symptoms usually disappear after delivery, but can persist into the third trimester.

Restless legs: what to do?

1. Home remedies for restless legs

• Massage your legs before bed

• Take a warm bath or place a heating pad on your legs

• Exercise regularly, but not too late in the evening

• Use a weighted blanket against restless legs

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine

• Ensure a regular sleep pattern

2. Supplements for vitamin deficiencies

A vitamin deficiency can contribute to restless legs . A deficiency of vitamin B6 and melatonin, in particular, is linked to these symptoms. In this case, a quality supplement can provide relief.

3. Medical treatment for restless legs

If your symptoms are severe and disrupt your daily life, your doctor may prescribe medication. Please note: medication doesn't work equally well for everyone, and side effects are possible. So, it's best to try something natural and healthy first.

When should you see a doctor?

• If your night's sleep is structurally disturbed by restless legs at night.

• For additional complaints such as restless arms and legs , fatigue or mood swings.

• When home remedies for restless legs don't provide relief.

• If you suspect that a vitamin deficiency or an underlying condition is involved.

Finally

Restless legs are annoying, tiring, and can seriously disrupt your sleep. Fortunately, there are solutions, and it's worth finding what works for you.

Don't walk around with restless legs , because a good night's sleep is essential for your health.