Restless Leg Syndrome & Diet Tips?

[Leebot]

Hi All,

DH is experiencing some restless leg syndrome at night and I'd like to help him (and me) sleep better. I'm reading up about this online and would like to avoid use of medications if possible, so I'm learning about the connection with inadequate exercise, a possible connection to low iron levels. He doesn't drink a lot of caffeine or alcohol in the evening, BTW.

My question is --- have any of you dealt with RLS and can you recommend any specific dietary changes you've made that you think helped? Any other natural remedies you've tried?

Thanks!

[wallycat]

I have read that low iron MAY contribute to restless leg, but this is a hereditary thing and I fear diet (good or bad) may do little.
I have it and I've tried everything...some days are good, some not...Thankfully, it rarely if ever happens in bed, trying to sleep.

[SusanL]

If this helps, a friend cut out refined sugars, almost everything white-and only gluten free products (This is my take on what she ingests. She also eliminated all caffeine.) Whatever meds she was on, she is no longer taking. I can ask her on Friday, when I see her if you would like. She is so happy to be RLS-free! She is a much happier, well-rested individual.

[Leebot]

Hi Susan, I'd be interested in what you friend says. Thanks!

[JulieM]

DH has PLMD (Periodic Leg Movement Disorder) which is related to RLS and treated with the same medications. After much research, what we did was start DH on calcium/magnesium supplement at lunch and dinner, then an additional magnesium/zinc supplement before bed. His PLMD is now just a mild, intermittent issue that he is not even aware of. He sleeps so much better! It took time though before we started seeing results, which is almost always true with natural medicine.

[mickymar]

This is the pits, but I find mine acts up more when I have been standing for periods of time. It may not happen just after, but usually within the same day. I will have to try excluding the sugars in my diet. If it works will let you all know.
Thanks for the post.

[SusanL]

Leebot, I hope to see her today to ask, if not, I will get her phone # and call her. I know that this can be debilatating(sp?) not getting any sleep. Will report back either tonight or tomorrow, depending on how late I get home from work.

[LakeMartinGal]

I have occasional RLS, and varicose veins. I find that, if I've been on my feet too long without my lovely support hose, RLS in the evening is unbearable, and into the night, as well. If it starts to bother me on days that I have been wearing the hose, I take them off, and it lessens. Varicose veins do not have to be visible -- maybe a venous ultrasound could answer some of this... HTH

Also, going to sleep on my stomach helps the quads refrain from twitching. The pressure just seems to help.

[leebee]

I have RLS, which is exacerbated by a medication. Of course, I have to take the med at night, which amps up the RLS just when I go to bed. I have had some success with a magnesium supplement. I also find regular exercise (especially yoga) helps a great deal. If I have a really bad flare up, I get up and literally fatique my leg muscles to get some relief (I can do a LOT of lunges & squats at 2 a.m.). I also cut the sock part of of a pair of my running socks, leaving only the ankle band. I wear those at night around my ankles and the mild pressure seems to help. DH has been great about giving my feet & legs a fairly vigorous massage when it's bad, too. BUt what has helped more than anything is some guided meditation, especially the "warm autogenic relaxation" sort--where I am imagining my legs (and the rest of my body)growing warm and heavy. It's made an incredible difference to me.

[SusanL]

Leebot - I didn't forget you, she wasn't around or her friend that has her number. She might have been on vacation. I will get back to you as soon as I see her. So Sorry for the delay, I didn't forget you and others...

[RedKelly]

The only thing I can think of would be gluten-free products, hmm.

[SusanL]

OK, I give up. I think that the person I mentioned has fallen off the face of the earth, along with her best friend! That being said, I continue to look for both of them. They are friends in that I see them about, but I don't have their phone #s. But I will continue to skulk around looking for them. Hope to be back soon.
Leebot How is DH doing now? And what is he doing about it?