Remember that scene in Friends when Phoebe and her sailor boyfriend (played by a pre-tiger blood Charlie Sheen) had chicken pox and had to wear oven gloves to stop themselves scratching? There’s nothing more irritating to your wellness than having an itch you can’t scratch, and no one understands this more than those whose wellbeing is affected by Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). The neurological health concern gives you the irresistible urge to move your legs, as well as annoying symptoms like tickling, feeling of itching, or crawling. So, short of strapping on the oven gloves, what can you do to deal with RLS?
1. Resistance is futile. Even though giving in to your desires only provides momentary relief, it’s worth it if RLS is keeping you up at night. Get up and walk around before trying to get back to sleep and chances are that it won’t bother you again.
2. Relax your muscles. Muscle tension is a factor involved in RLS, so relax your muscles by taking a warm bath and massaging your legs and feet.
3. Do light exercises. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you’re more likely to develop RLS. However, if you start your day with a light jog, swim or bike ride, you can improve the blood circulation throughout your body without over-stressing your legs.
4. Don’t neglect nutrients. Some people have managed to move past their RLS by increasing their intake of magnesium, iron and vitamins. You can get these from supplements or by adding more spinach, beans, oysters and other rich sources of vitamins to your diet.
5. Eliminate bad beverages. Caffeine and alcohol wreak havoc on your nervous system, so you should avoid them – especially before bed.
6. Watch out for your medication. If you are on antidepressants or anti-psychotic drugs, you may inadvertently be aggravating the RLS. Talk to your doctor about any medications you are on, and see if there are alternatives or a more efficient solution.
7. Start some pre-sleep stretches. Stretching your calves, hamstrings and gluteal muscles before bed may help to reduce the amount your sleep is disturbed.