Home Remedies and Herbs for Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a condition also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease. It’s a neurological disorder that causes painful or uncomfortable feelings in the legs. For those who suffer from restless leg syndrome, they feel an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. ^1,2

The condition is characterized by restless leg syndrome symptoms attacking at night when the person is trying to rest when sitting or lying in bed. Many sufferers cannot achieve relief. They may move their legs by getting up and walking. However, this only usually provides temporary relief. ¹

Because restless leg syndrome affects sleep quality, many sufferers have other complications in their day to day lives such as feeling tired and being unable to concentrate on their work. ¹

It is believed that 7-10% of the population suffers from restless leg syndrome and it more commonly affects women than men. While restless leg syndrome can affect anyone at any age, it more commonly occurs in people who are middle-aged or older. ¹

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome causes remain unknown in most cases. Researchers feel that the primary restless leg syndrome cause is genetic. There is often a family history of restless leg syndrome whereby symptoms onset after the age of 40. Researchers have also isolated certain gene variants that may be linked to developing restless leg syndrome. ^1,3

Other factors that may point to restless leg syndrome causes include having a dopamine chemical imbalance. Dopamine is responsible for signaling muscle movement. Researchers also believe that pregnant women are more at-risk of developing restless leg syndrome symptoms during pregnancy due to hormonal changes. ³

Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms

Restless leg syndrome symptoms typically occur at night or whenever resting. Restless leg syndrome symptoms often worsen at night. These symptoms include:

• An involuntary desire and sensation to move your legs
• Sensations starting when seated for an extended period such as in a car or airplane
• Feeling relief when you move your legs by shaking them or by pacing back and forth
• Experiencing twitching of legs during sleep

Restless leg syndrome home treatments such as self-care and lifestyle changes can help manage restless leg syndrome. ²

References

1. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20031101 
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/basics/causes/con-20031101 
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20031101