6 natural remedies to relieve restless legs

Nails strange sensations in the legs prevent you from falling asleep at night? We offer you information about restless legs syndrome and some remedies to combat it at home.

restless legs syndrome prevents a good sleep. In moments of rest or just before falling asleep, those affected notice some pricking, tension or tingling in the legs, and to mitigate it they feel the urge to change position, get up and walk. Those affected are often referred to in the medical literature as “night walkers” (nightwalkers).

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome is characterized by the appearance of an uncomfortable sensation in the legs that forces them to move, especially at night. It is not an initially serious disorder, but it is very annoying and unsettling.

It is estimated that restless legs syndrome – also known as ekbom syndrome– affects one in 10 people and can manifest sporadically or become chronic. Its causes are unknown, but it has a genetic Component, because there are families more affected than others. Older women are the most affected group.

This syndrome, as its name suggests, usually affects the legs, but it can also appear in the arms. It can occur during the day but the symptoms are more common or intensify at night. On the other hand, usually does not cause pain but the inconvenience is very disagreeable.

Because having restless legs at night prevents deep, restful sleep, the disorder is related to concentration problems and states of exhaustion during the day. If it becomes chronic, it can cause serious mental disorders.

Eight out of ten people with restless legs also suffer from the “periodic leg movement syndrome”, which is characterized by sudden involuntary movements of the legs during sleep.

main causes

The causes of these involuntary movements are not known, but one theory relates them to low dopamine levels one of the main brain neurotransmitters and necessary for the realization and coordination of movements. This could also be the cause of restless legs.

Discover in this video the possible causes of itchy legs.

It has also been observed that the deficiency of some minerals such as iron –or its transporter, ferritin–, calcium, magnesium or potassium, as well as an excess of uric acid in the blood can cause it.

However, many people who suffer from it do not suffer from any of these biochemical imbalances. It is believed that there may also be a genetic predisposition.

natural treatment

If your restless legs are keeping you from sleeping peacefully, you can do the following:

Try not to make more physical or mental efforts of those necessary in the afternoon and early at night, because stress favors the appearance of symptoms. Maintain regular schedules both for going to sleep and for waking up. It is very useful to establish a ritual to help you fall asleep.Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine a few hours before going to sleep. Get enough exercise during the day and at night remove tension from legs with stretches or yoga exercises. Also practice some relaxation technique, such as progressive relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery or mindfulness. Improve blood circulation thanks to alternating hot and cold showers, hot or cold baths, massages, and wraps. Make sure your diet is giving you the enough iron. Restless legs is one of the usual symptoms of iron deficiency, which explains around 30% of cases. Remember that legumes, sesame seeds, nuts and vegetables, especially cabbage, are foods rich in iron. Accompany them with fruit rich in vitamin C to improve its absorption.

First go to the doctor

If you have any symptoms that worry you, see your doctor. to make a diagnosis and rule out other diseases. Peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure, intestinal dysfunction, and some liver and autoimmune disorders can present with similar symptoms.

Discomfort can also appear as a side effect of some medications, such as antidepressants, neuroleptics, and antidepressant medications.

In very serious cases the doctor can prescribe medications (muscle relaxants, sleeping pills and, above all, antiparkinsonian drugs such as pramipexole) to mitigate the symptoms.