Lifestyle changes help RLS

With the ever present symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome, importance is put on finding the best way to find the ways for your body to relax, even when you legs won’t. For some people with less severe RLS symptoms lifestyle changes are often all that is needed to find relief.

Do not focus on seeking relief only when symptoms occur, there are different things that can be done during the day as well to relieve symptoms at night. If you work during the day, take a walk during your lunch hour, whether around the building or even up and down a hallway. If this is not possible, seek other ways of moving during this down time. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator can the circulation moving and help with your energy level as well, something that will help during the afternoons. When sitting in front of a computer or reading reports, take a short break every hour, to stretch and refresh your mind, as being sedentary can increase the discomfort due to lack of movement.

Many of these ideas revolve around stretching the muscles and massage. These minor changes or practices can be done each day, whether at work or out on the town, or even when traveling, you must make it a point to move as often as possible to keep the circulation moving and keep muscles from tightening up. When moving is not possible or it’s time to relax there are ways to find relief. For instance watching TV can offer the opportunity of massaging your legs and feet, helping to keep circulation moving in the body. Spending time in a hot bath can offer relief from RLS symptoms, as well as helping to relax the body itself after a long day. For some ice packs work to relive RLS symptoms. It may be easier to think of these techniques as ways of relaxing in general, with relief from RLS symptoms being a benefit.

Since RLS can become more prevalent at night, knowing how to ease them so you can rest is the goal, offering you’re the chance to get the sleep you need. After dinner take the dog for a walk, or simply go for a walk, since exercise is known to help with symptoms, however, be sure not to over do it as too much exercise can increase your RLS symptoms. This is important since if you are able to exercise at work, beware of doing the same at home. A good idea may be to alternate exercises to eliminate burnout and boredom. When it comes time for bed, if symptoms are evident, use a heating pad and try not to turn bed time into a stressful time.

Above all keep a regular sleep cycle, with the right amount of rest, stress can be lessened helping in overall relaxation. In addition, avoid nicotine and caffeine, including chocolate at night, as well as alcohol – each of these items can make falling asleep more difficult.