Do you suffer from aching, tightening and tingling legs when you lie down or sit still? These are typical symptoms of the common disorder: restless legs syndrome, also known as RLS or restless legs syndrome. About 5% to 15% of adults suffer from the disorder and about 19% of women develop it when they are pregnant. It doesn’t cause any serious health problems, but RLS is really no fun! Fortunately, there are tips that can help you reduce the symptoms.
Restless Legs Syndrome has no other serious health consequences, but it can disrupt your sleep and ultimately lead to severe fatigue. Here are tips for a symptom-free lifestyle:
Exercise During Lunch
Do you have a job in which you sit a lot? Then try to get some exercise during the break. Do not sit down, but go for a walk with a sandwich in your hand. This will not only ensure that you suffer less from restless legs, but will also improve your concentration.
Jogging
Give yourself and your blood circulation a boost by getting up and jogging in place for 5 minutes.
5-Minute Break
Try to take a short 5-minute break every hour; stand up, stretch your body, and take a short spin around the building or office.
Stretching
The best tip I can give you is to stretch your legs every day when you get up and when you go to bed.
Roadtrip
If you have to drive for long stretches, it is important to have adequate rest and exercise. Whether you are the driver or the passenger: be alert. Take plenty of breaks and use them to stretch your legs. Of course, you don’t want to suffer from restless legs when driving for long stretches.
Lightens Mind and Body
Everyone loves (gentle) massages. Let this be a good solution to relieve the pain in your legs. Bonus: your body and mind will also thank you after such a massage.
Public Transportation
Do you often travel by public transport or plane? Always choose an aisle seat. That way, you can regularly get up to stretch your legs without bothering other people.
3 O’clock Dip
Do you regularly suffer from the 3 o’clock dip? Then skip the coffee, get up and go for a walk or some exercise.
Rest
Do you have a break, are you binge-watching on Netflix for a while? Or the conference call at work? Use that time to give your legs a little massage.
Heat
Take a warm bath to relax both physically and mentally. Are you sitting comfortably on the couch and suffering from restless legs? Then take a bath, because it relieves the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome.
Cold
Not only heat, but also cold is helpful against RLS symptoms. So be sure to put some ice packs on your legs if you don’t feel like taking a hot bath.
Alcohol
Too much alcohol has an effect on RLS. So if you suffer from restless legs, be sure not to consume alcoholic beverages, as they will only make it worse.
Iron
Iron deficiency is one of the causes of RLS, so ask yourself: are you eating enough products with iron?
Sleeping
Take rest, make sure you get enough sleep, and also don’t eat heavy meals right before you go to bed. Why? This will ensure that you suffer less from the symptoms.