Herbie Murray
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep and movement disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by an uncomfortable sensation. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are various treatments and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate the symptoms of RLS and improve sleep quality. This includes medication, such as hypnotics and dopamine agonists, as well as supplements like magnesium and iron, and lifestyle adjustments like improving sleep habits and cutting down on caffeine.
Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment Options
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medication | Dopamine agonists, hypnotics (zopiclone, zolpidem), opioids, Mirapex |
| Supplements | Magnesium, iron |
| Lifestyle Changes | Good sleep habits, avoiding caffeine, exercise |
| Other Therapies | Electronic stimulation device, iron infusions |
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Hypnotic medication
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs when one is resting. It can interfere with sleep and cause complications. While there is no cure for RLS, there are treatments available to manage the condition.
Dopamine agonists are another type of medication that can be used to treat RLS. These work by increasing dopamine levels, which are often low in people with RLS. Dopamine agonists can occasionally make you feel sleepy, so caution is advised when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, after taking them. Other possible side effects of dopamine agonists include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and, in rare cases, impulse control disorder (ICD).
It is important to consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. They may advise you on establishing a regular sleeping pattern and making other lifestyle changes in conjunction with medication to effectively manage RLS.
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Iron supplements
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurologic disorder that causes uncomfortable urges to move the legs in the evening and at night. This can keep people from sleeping well. Low blood levels of iron are often seen in people with RLS, and low blood iron levels may be part of the cause of RLS. Iron can be taken as a pill or given as an injection into the bloodstream.
The International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) formed a task force to review studies and provide evidence-based guidelines for the iron treatment of RLS in adults. The task force found that ferric carboxymaltose (1000 mg) is effective for treating moderate to severe RLS in those with serum ferritin <300 μg/l and could be used as a first-line treatment for RLS in adults. Oral iron (65 mg of elemental iron) is possibly effective for treating RLS in those with serum ferritin ≤75 μg/l.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group concluded that iron supplementation has not been shown to be effective for RLS. However, a combined group of European neurological and sleep societies concluded that oral ferrous sulfate and intravenous ferric carboxymaltose are probably effective for short-term treatment.
A review of 10 studies (428 total participants) found that the use of iron resulted in greater improvement in IRLS scores compared to a placebo. Most of the studies used injections of iron, while three studies used iron in pill form.
If RLS is disrupting your sleep, a short-term course of medicine may be recommended to help you sleep. These types of medicines are known as hypnotics and are typically recommended for short-term use (no longer than a week).
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Magnesium
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor condition characterised by aberrant sensations in the legs. Patients frequently experience a strong desire to move their legs, and these strange sensations are represented partially or entirely by voluntary movements like walking. These symptoms are often aggravated during sleep, leading to sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness or weariness.
In addition to supplements, magnesium can be found in foods such as spinach and chia seeds. Taking magnesium supplements or including magnesium-rich foods in your diet may help reduce RLS symptoms and improve your sleep quality. If magnesium alone doesn’t resolve your symptoms, consider making an appointment with your doctor to discuss alternative remedies and medications that may help.
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Dopamine agonists
If you are experiencing frequent symptoms of restless legs syndrome, a doctor may recommend dopamine agonists as a treatment option. However, it is important to be cautious when taking these medications, especially when driving or using tools or machinery, as they can make you feel sleepy.
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Leg exercises
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common health condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms are usually worse at night, and patients often experience temporary relief by walking or stretching.
Exercise can help reduce symptoms of RLS by increasing blood flow to leg muscles, releasing endorphins that reduce stress and promoting sleep, and increasing dopamine, which reduces pain. Research shows that those who engage in daily exercise and maintain a consistent level of activity have fewer symptoms associated with RLS.
Seated Hip Stretch
- Start with your feet hip-width apart.
- Bend forward at the hips, keeping your knees soft and lengthening your spine as you fold.
- Hold this pose for 5-10 breaths.
- For a deeper stretch, place your hands on your hips and gently sway from side to side.
Child's Pose
- Kneel on the floor and sit back onto your heels.
- Fold your torso forward, keeping your arms by your sides.
- Rest your forehead on the floor or a cushion if that's more comfortable.
- Hold this pose for 5-20 minutes, breathing deeply.
Leg Circles
- Lie on your back with your arms outstretched by your sides.
- Place a cushion under your knees and head for support.
- Lift one leg off the ground and gently rotate it in a circular motion, first clockwise, then counterclockwise.
- Repeat with the other leg.
Calf Stretch
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
- Keeping your legs straight, bend forward at the hips, reaching toward your toes.
- Hold this stretch for 15-30 seconds.
- For a deeper stretch, try to bring your chest towards your legs.
It is recommended to aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise each day. It is important to listen to your body and avoid exercises that cause joint pain or discomfort. Intense exercise close to bedtime should be avoided as it can increase inflammation and worsen RLS symptoms.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sleep and movement disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to move the legs to relieve an uncomfortable energy buildup.
If RLS is disrupting your sleep, a short-term course of medicine may be recommended to help you sleep. These medicines are known as hypnotics and include zopiclone and zolpidem. For more than 20 years, the standard treatment has been dopamine agonists, which work by increasing dopamine levels, but these have been found to worsen symptoms over time. Other treatments include iron infusions for people with low levels of iron in the brain and a device that provides electronic stimulation for the legs.
Some people have found that taking magnesium supplements and iron supplements, as well as making dietary changes such as cutting out caffeine, can help with RLS.
The best type of doctor for this condition is a sleep neurologist. If you can’t find one in your area, you can go to a medical doctor who specialises in sleep disorders.
Good sleep habits include going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, not napping during the day, taking time to relax before going to bed, and avoiding caffeine close to bedtime.
