Restless Leg Syndrome Home Remedies

Heather Dessinger

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Restless Leg Syndrome Home Remedies Inside: Possible causes of achy legs at night, plus restless leg syndrome home remedies suggested by Dr. Dean, M.D. and other functional medicine practitioners. For more information on getting better sleep, check out 18 Science-Backed Sleep Tips.

Creepy crawly misery. I can’t speak for everyone else’s experience with Restless Leg Syndrome, but that pretty much sums it up for me. I struggled with this sleep thief off and on since I was about 8 years old, and was taking tranquilizers to manage it by my early twenties.

Fortunately, through a little trial and error I’ve been able to eliminate my symptoms without the help of medications. I’ll be sharing what I did in this post, but first a disclaimer: I am not a doctor and this post is not intended to diagnose or treat anything. I’m just a girl whose doctor once said “The next step after this is basically a horse tranquilizer” who wanted (and found) a medication-free approach that worked for me. See my full disclaimer here. Okay, moving on!

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by throbbing, pulling, creeping, or other unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable, and sometimes overwhelming, urge to move them. Symptoms occur primarily at night when a person is relaxing or at rest and can increase in severity during the night. Moving the legs relieves the discomfort. Often called paresthesias (abnormal sensations) or dysesthesias (unpleasant abnormal sensations), the sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

The most distinctive or unusual aspect of the condition is that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. Most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Left untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue.

Creepy crawly misery. That was my experience until I used these home remedies that calmed my restless legs.

Restless Leg Syndrome Home Remedies

So, what causes Restless Leg Syndrome? Just like a stomachache can be caused by a virus, eating too much, constipation, etc., there are several possible causes for restless leg symptoms. Here are a few worth considering:

restless leg syndrome magnesium

Magnesium Deficiency

Restless Leg Syndrome is often related to nutritional deficiencies, particularly magnesium. (source 1, source 2, source 3, source 4)

Magnesium is needed to push excess calcium out of cells so that smooth muscle can relax. A deficiency can cause muscle tightening, twitches, involuntary jerks, and spasms. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is common these days because:

  1. Modern soil is very depleted in magnesium, as are the crops grown in it. (source 1, source 2)
  2. Stress causes us to burn through our stores more quickly (source)

So how can we improve our magnesium levels?

As I already mentioned, it’s challenging to get enough magnesiums from foods due to soil depletion. Here’s a guide to magnesium supplementation, and here’s a recipe for bath salts that can help improve levels.

But what about the 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium intake I’m supposed to have? Won’t this mess me up?

Experts often suggest that people need to consume twice as much calcium as magnesium for bone health. According to Dr. Carolyn Dean, the supposed “ideal” ratio is a myth. Apparently, the recommendation goes back to statements made by French scientist Jean Durlach, who warned that calcium intake should never exceed twice the amount of magnesium consumed. New research indicates why he made this suggestion –  without adequate magnesium, calcium can calcify soft tissue and contribute to heart disease. (source)

According to Dean, “A hundred years ago we enjoyed a diet high in magnesium with a daily intake of 500 mg. Today we are lucky to get 200 mg.[8] However, calcium in the diet has never been higher. This high-calcium, low-magnesium diet, when coupled with calcium supplementation, can give a calcium to magnesium imbalance of 10:1 or even higher — which constitutes a walking time bomb of impaired bone health and heart disease.” (source)

Dr. Dean recommends getting a 1:2 or at least a 1:1 (calcium to magnesium) ratio in the diet.

Other considerations: Lot of drugs – from Prilosec OTC to Flonase to Ritalin – deplete magnesium. Here’s a partial list. Also, some drugs interact with magnesium – more info here.

Low Iron

According to this study, “Patients with RLS have lower levels of dopamine in the substantia nigra and respond to iron administration. Iron, as a cofactor in dopamine production, plays a central role in the etiology of RLS.”

Low dopamine can cause neurological problems such as the creepy crawly sensations described above. That’s why Parkinson’s drugs are often used to treat Restless Leg symptoms – they contain dopamine antagonists which mimic dopamine in the brain.

Before you supplement with iron, though, there are three things to consider:

1. Iron and magnesium compete for receptor sites in the body, so taking too much can affect magnesium stores.

2. Sometimes an individual can consume adequate amounts of iron yet still be deficient because the iron is being “stolen” by an overgrowth of iron-loving microbes in the gut. Here’s how Dr. Campbell-McBride, author of Gut & Psychology Syndrome, explains it:

 Most people with abnormal gut flora have various stages of anaemia. It is not surprising. . . . people with damaged gut flora often have a particular group of pathogenic bacteria growing in their gut, which are iron-loving bacteria (Actinomyces spp., Mycobacterium spp., pathogenic strains of E. coli, Corynebacterium spp., and many others). They consume whatever iron the person gets from the diet, leaving that person deficient in iron. Unfortunately, supplementing iron makes these bacteria grow stronger and does not remedy anaemia.” (Gut & Psychology Syndrome)

This is not to say that we should be afraid to consume iron, but rather that if something doesn’t feel like it’s adding up this is something worth exploring. This article is a good starting point.

3. Most iron supplements contain nonheme iron, which can be difficult for the body to absorb. Heme iron, which is found in liver (or dessicated liver capsules) and red meat is more bioavailable. Another option is Floradix, which is an herbal preparation of iron that is well-absorbed.

B-Vitamin Deficiency

Low levels of vitamin B12 and B9 (folate) are also documented causes of Restless Leg Syndrome. (source) About 30-50% of Americans have a genetic mutation called MTHFR that reduces our ability to utilize vitamin B9. In those cases, it can be helpful to supplement with a highly bioavailable form along with the other B-vitamins. More info on that here.

What Else Can Cause Restless Leg Syndrome?

According to Chris Kresser, LAc, Restless Leg Syndrome may also be caused by systemic inflammation/ immune dysregulation, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), or Vitamin D deficiency. You can read more about his approach to those issues here.

RLS is also related to several factors/conditions and may have a genetic component in some cases, but researchers aren’t yet certain what the connection is. Some – such as medications that deplete nutrients such as magnesium – may cause RLS, while others may simply share underlying causes.

My Experience

Supplementing with magnesium and B-vitamins resolved the symptoms for me – my legs became calm and I was able to fall asleep without any problems. I’ve been medication-free for over ten years without any issues except during pregnancy, which leads me to . . .

Restless Legs Syndrome During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Unfortunately, Restless Leg symptoms often increase during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, possibly due to the body’s increased utilization of magnesium, iron, B-vitamins and other nutrients. My symptoms would occasionally reappear during pregnancy, but if I increased my magnesium and B-vitamin intake they would resolve.

In A Nutshell: Tips For Calming Restless Legs

  1. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption because they deplete B-vitamins and magnesium stores (source 1, source 2source 3, source 4, source 5)
  2. Manage stress, which causes the body to burn through magnesium and B-vitamins more quickly. Adaptogenic herbs can be helpful for managing stress, as can these tips.
  3. Make sure to get adequate amounts of magnesium, iron, and B-vitamins.
  4. Get moderate exercise.
  5. Take a warm bath before bed, ideally with epsom salts or another form of magnesium.

What’s worked for you?

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world. 

Leave a Comment

187 thoughts on “Restless Leg Syndrome Home Remedies”

  1. I used to have RLS, too, mine went away when I gave up gluten, grains, cane sugar, dairy and soy. The only time I feel it coming back seems to be when I eat cane sugar or overeat sugar in general. I never cheat with grains or soy, do occasionally have cane sugar in something, like sausage, or a small amount of butter or cheese.

    Reply
        • Hi Yolzy, I’m sorry to hear about your rls being really bad. I didn’t cut sugar from my diet, I had to cut all forms of wheat, no bread, pasta, pizza or cake. Now if I eat one serving of bread or pasta, within 3-5 hours I get the rls back. Only I don’t just get it in my legs, it’s all over my whole body. I don’t eat wheat, my twitchy muscle issues go away. I also don’t have the joint swelling/ arthritis issues I was beginning to get (I’m 52, and thought it was “normal”, it’s not really), I don’t have the lethargic, no energy issues, AND the severity of my pollen allergies has reduced dramatically. (I used to have to keep an epi pen AND benadryl liquid with me all the time so if an anaphylactic reaction started, I wouldn’t die-yes from POLLEN allergies-crazy right!) I still keep that stuff with me but it’s been over a year and I feel so much better!

          Reply
    • I have severe extreme Restless Leg since age 22 (now am 64). I do not consume caffeine, alcohol or tobacco. I am on prescription Lyrica and Neupro patch. Recently went on a gluten free diet (1 week) and have walked the entire night 4 nights out of 7. How long before the gluten free diet kicks in and is suppose to help? I will try anything as my quality of life is NILL.

      Reply
      • Hi Sharon. I was told it takes two weeks to get gluten out of your system. I have mild RLS (when my feet start bugging me I know it’s time for bed) but since I gave up gluten about a month ago, I don’t think I’ve had one incident. Again, my RLS doesn’t stop me from sleeping…the sleep apnea does and a gluten free diet is the only thing that seems to work for that as the CPAP machine is evil. Anyway, try staying gluten free for two-three weeks and hopefully you’ll see a difference. Good luck.

        Reply
      • Lyrica itself can cause restless leg syndrome. And a host of other side effects. You may want to check out the Lyrica Survivors Facebook page or do some research on that medication.

        Reply
        • Some groups on FB and other places can also be fear mongering. I , myself cannot take Lyrica for several reasons, but I am familiar with the group mentioned, and there are 2 sides to every story. MANY meds can cause RLS or trigger RLS, such as SSRI antidepressants, the tricyclic ones, too. If you are on too high of a dose of the dopamine meds, they can cause augmentation. There are several meds to help also, but it is all trial and error and no one thing works for everyone. IF it did, we would not need all the support groups.

          Reply
        • I took Lyrica for a year I had restless leg syndrome to begin with they thought I had fibromyalgia turned out to be actually lupus but the Lyrica I put on 80 lb in one year without overeating and my restless leg syndrome went through the roof. My current rheumatologist says he pulled that stuff from the market if he could it’s bad bad news.

          Reply
      • Hello Sharon, I’ve been prescribed Lyrica a few times now for chronic pain management and every time within 3 days my RLS goes from manageable to out of control. When I tell my Dr. this he is surprised as it is meant to help people with RLS – or so he said. He claims it is actually prescribed to help RLS and I must be unusual. But after reading the above comment, it is obviously not so unusual. I’m quitting to help my pain, inflammation, and RLS.

        Reply
      • U need to kick the pharma, and stay gluten free, soy and sugar free. Ditch meat itstoxic. Have occasional salon or turkey or chicken liver. Soak your feet in Epsom salt daily and before the switch detox your liver, do a five day ten juice of organic apple celery and carrots only. Pharma will damage your organs, it already has gotten to your nervous system. Detox change your diet and ditch the pills

        Reply
    • I haven’t found that mine was helped by going gluten free but there’s a huge correlation between eating simple sugars in the evening and a horrible night of restless legs

      Reply
      • Having RLS my entire life, I found that sugar and salt are big culprits. Also preservatives..so eating an organic healthy diet and watching intake of sugar and salt..helps alot. I REFUSE to take those high risk medications with huge side effects. Also taking supplements such as magnesium, B complex, selenium, Camu camu, Dandelion, Ashwaghanda, and Astragalus helps. At night on nights I am feeling pretty restless, I take some slippery elm. Some nights I sleep like a rock which is rare. I have RLS really bad so I pay alot of attention to whats going in my body and any and all activity. I always take a 5 minute hot bath before bed and if/when I wake in the middle of the night with my legs, I sit on floor and prop my leg on top of a big heavy duty massager (Jeanie Rub) and let it work on my calves. I may feel like there are knots in the muscle and its working them out. Once they began to feel relaxed..usually within 1-2 minutes, i stop and go back to bed and sleep the rest of the night. Sometimes i will be bothered with my entire legs so i lightly use the massager up and down all of my legs..but my calves are mostly the problem. they also feel cold when they hurt. I have had RLS for 43 yrs and i have found this to work the best for me. When my stress level is way up..not much helps at that point.

        Reply
    • Stretch exercise before bed: stand up flat against the wall for a few minutes. A doctor suggested this for my sister and eventually the episodes diminished.

      Reply
  2. I love this article- the only question that I constantly have is: how can we meter the appropriate amounts of the various supplements? I want to begin supplementing my diet, but the numbers are so vague-who knows how much of anything we should take? Any accurate sources out there that you know of?

    Reply
      • I have been using Calm Legs with great results and it has all the ingredients in it in the right amounts. You can google them. Hope this helps you. I have tried all the different things too and when I found this one it really helped me. It has everything not just one or two… check out the ingredients on their website and see what each one does.

        Reply
    • Dr Mercole site. He has vitamins testing for D and magnesium. As well as a few others that Dr don’t seem to think are that important.
      B vitamin 50-100 ml per day as well as vitamin D. Most people are deficient in D and magnesium. And iron supplements should not be taken with magnesium as they compete for receptor sites.

      Reply
  3. I had terrible RLS with my third pregnancy. Hyland’s homeopathic remedy “Restful Legs” wasvery helpful for me. It took about an hour to kick in, so I just made sure that I took it well before I went to bed.

    Reply
        • I use the Hyland’s for Leg Cramps usually along with a Coral Calcium cap that also has magnesium in it and within 15-20 minutes the sensations stop and I sleep like a baby!

          Reply
        • I have severe RLS. I too tried Hylands and found no relief. When I have a bad episode
          I need to take Klonopin, Methocarbomol, and drink a concoction of apple cider vinegar
          and cranberry juice. You can just see the musccles in my thighs tighten up, then relax
          considerably so I can function.

          Reply
      • How long before this works . It’s been a week and no results , I cry half the night I want to tie up my legs , it’s driving me crazy . Thank You. !

        Reply
    • Hyland’s Restful Legs are no longer allowed to advertise that this product can treat RLS. There is a disclaimer on their web site that says “This product is not meant to treat RLS and to contact your doctor”.

      Reply
  4. In my case, I think it is the lack of good blood circulation that gives my legs the creepy-crawlies. I have found that taking anywhere from 800 IU -1,000 IU of vitamin e daily fixes the problem.

    Reply
  5. I used to have restless legs at night, especially with being pretty active. After finding I had adrenal fatigue and supplementing with liquid ionic supplements (I like Mineralife), B vitamins (lypospheric brand) and others, and getting off birth control, I haven’t had any problems with rls or sleep 🙂

    Reply
  6. Calcium/magnesium/zinc supplement seems to be working for me right now. For many months I used the bar of soap under the fitted sheet at the foot of the bed. In fact I still have a bar of soap there. But it quit working, or seemed to. I would switch the soap when it quit working and got immediate relief. When it stopped working altogether I started looking at alternative remedies. Have been taking the cal/mag/zinc supplement for 5 days now and have had no zingers during that time.

    Reply
      • I cannot explain how the bar of soap works, but it DOES! I have RLS, have had it for years, plus I get toe/foot cramps,especially if I have done a lot of walking on very hard surfaces. I use a bar of Zest soap – keep it in the drawer of my night stand. When a cramp hits, I rub my foot with the soap and within about 3 minutes the cramp is gone and does not return. I know many people put the soap under the sheet, but the smell bothers my husband, so I compromised. Again, no idea how it works but I swear by it!

        Reply
        • I have tried the bar of soap, does not work for me,5 members of my family have RLS, I have tried everything, meds, vitamims, and whatever new comes my way, my legs are getting worse, one med. caused me to have a minor car accident, this is by far the most frustrating disease in the world and I would not even wish this on my worst enemy, the lack of sleep from RLS is the worst that anyone can go through, Why can’t someone come up with something. A very frustrated woman who suffers daily and nightly with the dreaded RLS.

          Reply
          • I’ve had RLS since mid 80’s and it’s gotten progressively worse. In recent years I’ve developed RAS as well. Have been on different needs that worked off and on + used bar of soap which worked for a while. The past 3 mots

          • I have RLS. I had low iron and now on iron pills. I still suffer some nights, but when I do I get up and eat 5 maraschino cherries. It does the trick every time. My brother swears by it too.

          • Have you tried wrapping your legs nice and secure but not so tight it affects circulation. Lay back and relax. That always helps me.

          • I find it agonizing. I’d rather be in pain. And almost no one understands what someone with severe RLS goes through

          • I have had the same RLS as you describe most of my life. I am 79 and have tried everything…have been on Requip several years. It causes sudden sleep, but takes a long time to work. The best remedy I have found is magnesium caps and oil, topically.

          • Amanda I too suffer at the mo I’m on day five that’s four nights no sleep. I’ve conciddered cutting my legs off and have in the past banged nails in to my calf mussels, not huge ones you know panel pins,,, and trust me it doesn’t work, I think the only time I sleep is from complete exhaustion. It’s overtaken my whole life and I’ve tried everything, everything

        • My grandmother told me about the bar of soap in between the bed sheets as well (so wonderful to see someone else knows about this secret as well). The crazy thing is – it works (for me)! I don’t know if it’s the placebo effect or what (and I don’t care). I’m just so happy to have the relief from RLS!!

          Reply
        • for leg CRAMPS maybe. But, that is all. There is absolutely no explanation why or how soap should work for RLS. RLS is neurological, and I will leave it at that.

          Reply
          • True, RLS is neurological. But leg cramps are musculoskeletal. So what’s the difference? They’re both anatomical. There’s nothing more “legitimate” about RLS as a physical ailment than there is about leg cramps. There is absolutely no explanation why or how soap should work for leg cramps, either. But there are people who swear that it does. So why not give it a try for RLS? It’s harmless and costs nothing.

    • After over 10 years of dealing with RLS, & also massive Charlie Horse pain in my calves, I can tell you that the ONLY thing that has EVER helped me is the bar of soap. I even recommend to all my patients. I can’t take even low dose magnesium because of what it does to my heart rhythms, along with nausea and massive hot flashes. If a simple bar of soap works, without being on medications, I’m all for it!!

      Reply
      • I have never heard about the soap thing…isn’t it an uncomfortable lump under the sheet? What is it about the soap?

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        • My mother uses soap at the very end of her bed, under the bottom sheet. One night her RLS came back; had a rough night. She discovered in the morning that her bar of soap had slipped out of the sheet and lay on the floor.

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        • Mitch, I just use a small piece of soap on my calf using a bandage to keep it in place! Works great! Good luck, and I hope it works for you. =^.^=

          Reply
  7. I am so shocked that no one mentions stretching and exercise! What is going on? I have to think that it would be cured with the benefits such as increased circulation, increased flexibility, etc etc etc etc

    Reply
    • Before I found the remedies I recommend in the post I lifted leg weights every night before bed to try to exhaust my legs into submission. It helped some, but I often had to get up at 3am and exercise for an hour before I could get back to sleep. For me, it is much easier to supplement and get a full night’s sleep!

      Reply
    • It only helps the symptoms subside for a little while. When mine is at its worst, no amount of stretching, lifting, etc. will help. Sadly, none of the home remedies listed here work for me either (and I’ve tried them all!). I have to take Requip or suffer intense RLS night after night. For me, there are luckily no side effects…at least none that I can detect. It does allow me to sleep like a normal person, so as long as the side effects don’t appear, I’ll take it. I know it’s not for everyone, though!

      Reply
    • Exercise is good for anyone, but if you have bad knees, even stepping in place hurts. Yes, stretching helps, even lying in bed. Sometimes, it is the only way I get relief from this torturous condition, but one cannot stretch all night.

      Reply
    • circulation does not have one thing to do with RLS. period. We do stretch, get into all kinds of crazy positions for ANY relief, but “fixing” one’s circulation is NOT going to do it, since it is neurological.

      Reply
  8. I had never heard of nutritional supplements for rls. My husband uses the original sun ancon chi machine by HTE, which increases circulation, and has had success with that. These machines are used in Japan for oxygen therapy, and they are pretty cool.

    Reply
    • HOW DOES THE SUN ANION CHI MACHINE HELP RLS? AND WHERE CAN I GET IT ? I HAVE HAD RLRON & OFF FOR 43 YEARS. THE LAST 5 YEARS. IT HAS GOTTEN IS BAD I FEEL LIKE CUTTING MY LEGS OFF. I HAVE BEEN TAKING REQUIP WHICH HAS WORKED FAIRLY WELL BUT SINCE I GOT KNEE SURGERY 2 MONTHS AGO (TORN MENISCUS), I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERE AGONY. IF A PERSON DOESN’T HAVE IT THEY HAVE NO IDEA THE NIGHTMARISH SUFFERING IT CAN CAUSE. I BELIEVE IT’S A LACK OF DOPAMINE IN THE BRAIN BUT I WILL TRY ANYTHING AT THIS POINT … MAGNESIUM, CHANGE OF DIET, IRON, ANYTHING. I HAVE BEEN PRAYING A LOT. MY FAITH IS STRONG. THE LORD SAYS , ABOVE ALL, ASK FOR WISDOM . HE IS A MIRACLE WORKING GOD. GOOD LUCK 2 EVERYONE WHO IS SUFFERING & GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

      Reply
  9. I was dx with RLS 10 years ago and took the standard meds handed out for it. After listening to Chris Kresser and Morie the Magnesium Man talk about this very topic I started with the Magnesium that Chris recommended and it worked fabulously. I also do the Epsom salt baths every week.
    RLS gone!

    Reply
  10. Acid reducers such as ranitidine or tums also make it difficult to absorb magnesium which could not only make for RLS but migraines also. I started drinking CALM, a liquid magnesium supplement ( I get online or at Wholefoods) and I haven’t had a migraine in months. It’s my saving grace.

    Reply
  11. Changing my diet worked for me. I have MS, and I now do a strict Dr, Terry L. Wahls/Paleo – no more dairy, grains, soy, legumes, sugar, white potatoes. I eat a wide variety of veggies, berries and some seafood/a little poultry/rarely meat. I swear by the bone broths! This is a great article. Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Hello, I have read your article on restless leg syndrome. It is good information. However, ELSE is also hereditary. everyone on my Mothers side has it, I have it, and my Grandchildren has it to. My family and I have always grown our own veggies, and raised our own meats, and poultry products. Only thing i know that has to be a factor is our health and beauty products. Hasn’t anybody seen the way kids are maturing way earlier than they did a few decades ago?

    Reply
    • Scientists have been attempting to educate the public on exactly that. All the added hormones and drugs in today’s meat is one of the biggest factors. The only thing found to be a larger contributing factor is dairy, as most has added hormones, and even the “organic” stuff is of course saturated with the cow’s own naturally produced hormones that are intended to get a calf to grown hundreds of pounds in his first year of life. Humans drinking the lactation of cows as standard fare their entire lives has been linked to numerous health problems. When I gave it up I reversed my diabetes, got of all my blood pressure meds, completely kicked my years-long kidney stone bouts, and cure my asthma. The Physicians’ Committee for Responsible Medicine (pcrm.org) is a pretty good site for solid, heavily-researched info.

      Reply
  13. Thank you for this post Heather. My husband has this and it comes and goes. I appreciate one of the comments about gluten, grains and sugar. This seems to be a problem for my family but I cannot seem to figure out a good eating schedule that doesn’t include these but fits into our budget of $135/wk. With kids under 5 it’s very difficult to please everyone. I will also try the magnesium, as I know this is a huge factor.

    Reply
  14. I have to say that I don’t doubt the magnesium at all, but I personally cannot take it or I get extremely nauseas, have major hot flashes, & my heart goes crazy. I’ve tried the 250 mg dose, & that is still more than I can take, & I also get the massive “Charlie Horses” in my calves, not just the general RLS.

    The ONLY thing that has helped me whatsoever in over 10 years now is the bar of soap at the bottom of the bed!! I can even tell when it’s time to replace it. I know when we originally discovered anything about it, it was considered an old “Wives Tail”, but it’s one that I will ALWAYS USE, & pass along to all my patients. Actually…..I would LOVE to know what the secret to the soap really is!

    Reply
  15. Dial soap was recommended to me by my chiropractor. It does work! I have even rubbed my legs with the soap as well as the sheets themselves. I’m wondering if there is a build-up of static electricity in the sheets that trigger the RLS; even though I use Bounce. I do feel a tingling tightness before my legs release it with the jerking RLS. Also wondering what Dial soap has in it that calms/aleviate the RLS. I take a bar of Dial with me when I need to travel; wouldn’t leave home without it!

    Reply
    • I doubt it’s due to static electricity.
      I sleep on the floor with no sheets sometimes and it just doesn’t matter.

      Reply
    • I don’t use dial but any soap has worked for me. When my Doctor recommended it I was doubtful and it took a year of horrible RLS before I tried it. I am a believer!! It works for me with out fail. I rub it on the sheet and leave the bar at the foot of the bed between the sheets. I rub it directly on my legs if I feel a bout coming on. Also has worked for leg cramps, it takes a few minutes of direct pressure with the bar of soap but eventually the cramp leaves and no after soreness either. I don’t know why it works but who cares, I just know it has made my life so much better!!!

      Reply
  16. I’m pregnant and I have have RLS not pregnant. It’s been awful while I have been pregnant so I started taking magnesium and it’s been so much better!!! It’s not gone 100% because I don’t want to take a full dose because I am pregnant but it’s manageable now! In a few more weeks ill be taking much more mag. To make sure I don’t feel RLS anymore! I even called my aunt who they gave meds to to tell her that magnesium will help!

    Reply
  17. I barely slept for over 32 years, went to chiropractors, acupuncture, homeopaths, neurologists, regular Drs, etc etc etc. FINALLY about 4 years ago I went to a young, local neurologist who told me what was wrong with me. I do take mirapex which works wonderfully and I have no side effects. BUT, I also discovered that I cannot eat NIGHTSHADES ( tomatoes, potato, peppers (red green or other wise), eggplant, paprika etc. I also had to cut out juices of apple and beet because they contain high amounts of the offending chemical in nightshades ( solanine ). I can eat sweet potato thought!!! I did an elimination diet and wow what a difference! I also rarely eat gluten. Now I read the labels on everything and am careful to not eat things that have even been cooked in the same juices as the offenders. Like I can’t pick the meat and carrots our of a stew made with potatoes or eat sweet potatoes fried in the same oil as regular potatoes.
    Also, If you live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, it will stop an attack very quickly. I was taking thc in pill form with the mirapex for about a year and a half but when I found out about the nightshade connection I didn’t need it any more!

    Reply
  18. One thing you didn’t mention is the mattress. I used to have a Tempurpedic and at first it felt fine. But as I heated up during the night I sank lower and lower and couldn’t get out of the hole to move my legs until the muscle spasms jolted me awake. I was already taking the nutrients you mention, but they were no match for the loss of circulation. Now I have an innerspring mattress that lets me move and I have little problem unless I forget the magnesium.

    Reply
  19. Vitamin E right before bed works for me. My mother swears by the bar of soap in her bed. I will add that I do take Mg, and use mg oil and I am gf and df, but the E before bed is what has worked for this.

    Reply
    • Exercise, especially walking or running actually makes my RLS much worse. I’ve had RLS/RAS for 30 years and It has definitely gotten worse as I’ve gotten older. I’ve never tried the soap, but will now. Thanks!

      Reply
  20. I swear magnesium fixes almost anything! I first became aware of just how deficient we are in it (from over-used and under-nourished soils) when my second was born and once he started taking some magnesium all his digestive woes cleared up almost overnight.

    Reply
  21. I have to add the strangest remedy that really works! Put a bar of soap, (doesn’t matter what kind) between your sheets when you sleep. And it works, Unbelievable!
    It should be done along with improving nutrition because it may not work after a while if your lacking nutrients.

    Reply
  22. AromaTouch blend essential oil from doTERRA stops restless legs for many and most find RLS goes away with repleted use and often it takes a short time to leave. Favorite Magnesium supplement: Natural Calm. Gets Magnesium in you very quickly. Starting at a single teaspoon is recommended as more can cause bathroom issues. I’ve seen this stop migraines as well for some. Remember calcium, magnesium, & potassium control our muscles. Yoga has great stretches for the legs as does cross country skiing. The body need balanced vitamin & minerals as well as omegas for healthy body and nerve function as well. I highly recommend doTEERA’s Life Long Vitality Pack. Best supplements Ive used. More expensive and harder to get down but my 2nd favorite Multi vitamin is Garden of Life. doTERRA’s vitamin pack has a brilliant Multi-Vitimin: best Ive used, Omega : best Ive used and seen. Can’t say enough good about it and an Inflammation reducer at the cellular level. I highly recommend it. 2 favorite calcium’s is Garden life’s – expensive but worth it: seen muscle craps stop in 5 min (natural food stores carry) & doTERRA’s Woman’s Calcium with is excellent for men as well and also highly absorbable. For more info on doTERRA please see my site. I’ve stopped RLS in myself and assisted others to recover from RLS. The body heals, Drs set bones. Give your body what it needs to heal its self.

    Reply
    • I get muscle spasms so bad in my calves, they last for about a one & halve hours I get to sleep maybe 2 hrs a nigh because of leg spasms I can’t walk because my have knots in the calves..

      Reply
      • Tonic water stops muscle cramping. I was told about it by a friend whose husband suffered with muscle cramping daily in his hands until he began drinking Tonic Water. My husband now drinks tonic water when he gets muscle cramps in his calves. It stops the cramping immediately.

        Reply
    • In the past, my RLS was chronic and I was FINALLY diagnoses with iron deficiency. It was so bad by the time the doctors found it, that I had to go in for an iron infusion. I’ve done that twice. Now, 7 or 8 years later, it’s back and I’m not iron deficient. I do have arthritis in my low back and it seems to begin in that area and then effect my lower legs. I have been off my vitamins a few months because of stomach problems, but am starting back on after reading this! Also find it interesting how many people say that too much sugar is a trigger; gonna watch that, for sure!

      Reply
  23. The first time a dealt with RLS it was relieved my massage. As a massage therapist now I can say I’ve seem many clients, including pregnant clients, have great relief though massage of legs, sacrum and hips.

    Reply
    • I’ve had restless legs for 50 years. Best remedy is a hot shower, with plenty water aimed at the legs. I have done this in the middle of the night many times. I also take medications but they don’t always help. I guess I’ll try the soap. BTW, this is a hereditary thing. Both of my parents and both of my sisters have it, as well as my son.

      Reply
  24. I used to take prescription meds for my RLS but too many bad side effects. I found out that many supplements available online such as Kratom quiet RLS 100%. It took me years of trial and error but I was curious why during a prescription I had for Tylenol 3 that had codeine, why did this quiet my RLS? It turns out that the alkaloids in Kratom mimic the alkaloids found in opiates without the drug effects. While kratom will quiet your RLS, it also gives a nice feeling of relaxation. Do your own research but I can tell you, Kratom is safe, been used by humans for hundreds of years and impossible to overdose. As you progress in learning about kratom, you’ll find the same information. I usually take 8-10 capsules 1 hour before bed, works great, no after effects and flushes out of the body within 7-8 house. Only side effects I have after using kratom for RLS for years is constipation and drowsy before bed. Kratom extracts beyond 15% are a waste, stick to the powder, capsules are my favorite, plenty of legal U.S. online suppliers.

    Reply
    • David I was taking Methadone 5 mgs for my RLS. It stopped them immediately and worked for 5 years. My body got used to the dose and not wanting to increase the dose I have been weaning myself off of the opoid. I read about Kratom, however I saw some articles that said Kratom causes the same sort of withdrawl as opoids. I am truly interested in knowing more about Kratom from someone who uses it, where you can find a reputable supplier and how do you know how much to take. I suffer severely with RLS but don’t want to take drugs for the rest of my life. I would appreciate any help you could give.

      Reply
      • KRATOM definitely has withdrawl symptoms. Days of being in bed sleeping, shaking and shivering. My husband had no idea it worked with opiate receptors until he stopped taking it.

        Reply
  25. Hi Heather
    Inflammation is believed to be a key factor when it comes to Restless Legs Syndrome.

    Results of a scientific study were published in the January 14, 2012 issue of “Sleep Medicine Review Journal” that supports this theory. You can read that study here: http://www.rlcure.com/rls_study.pdf

    You can view the results of other related scientific studies and learn about some helpful solutions at this RLS information website: http://www.rlcure.com

    Inflammation can also cause glutamate levels to increase, which makes the brain hyperactive when you’re trying to sleep. You can read about that here:
    http://www.rlcure.com/glutamate.html

    A blog for RLS sufferers with helpful tips can be found here:
    http://therestlesslegsblog.wordpress.com

    A Facebook page as well:
    https://www.facebook.com/AbsoluteCureForRLS

    Also new evidence that RLS is not hereditary as we first thought:
    http://www.rlcure.com/epigenetics-and-restless-legs-syndrome.html

    The solution is a combination of a proper anti-inflammatory diet as well as introducing natural supplements and key vitamins & minerals into your daily life.

    It’s great to see someone promoting natural remedies!

    David

    Reply
    • David, this is really good stuff! I will absolutely be reading this and “digesting” it, probably during my WILD awake hours (usually 11:15 pm to 12:30 am, and 1:45 am and 3:00 am, any other time in between! I usually finally get to sleep about 4 am and have to get up by 6 to get ready for work. Thanks so much for posting all this.

      Reply
    • Hi. When you say inflammation do you think if there is some kind of inflammation in the body that you can suffer from RLS. I however have teeth inflammation which I was advised to leave my teeth alone and not pulled them out if it doesn’t give me too much of the problem. I have been living with inflammation for over 25 years and I belive that is how long I have been problem with RLS. Are those 2 really in connection?

      Reply
  26. After reading all of your posts and having a husband who suffered from it. He would jump out of bed at night and to get up and walk around. Not only did it wake me up but I really saw how tired he was in the morning. We looked at your suggestions and then went looking on the internet for those ingredients. We did try some of the rememdies you listed with some success, but not totally. So we kept looking. We found a product called Calm Legs. When looking at the information on their website I saw that they had looked at all of the things that could cause the problem and put all of the ingredients in Calm Legs. So instead of trying this or that… he got all of them at once… and guess what??? We are now sleeping at night. I even saw that this is safe for pregnant mom’s. http://www.calmlegs.com

    Reply
  27. I first began suffering from RLS when I was in heavy training for a half ironman. It was especially bad on days off, and I couldn’t understand why. My boss at the time (a natural nutritionist & supplement producer) told me to cut all of my runs for the week down to 3 miles, from the 6, 8, and 10 for that week. It worked perfectly, and the following week I was able to run normally.

    However, my RLS has come back on and off for the last 2 years, and is primarily caused by iron-deficient anemia. (According to the doc.) Unfortunately, iron supplements don’t seem to help, and eating a big steak once a week doesn’t seem to either. It gets really bad if I do a spurt of intense activity, like a 2-day mountainous hike or something. The only things that have helped at all so far is to stretch before bed. I’m not sure why, but I just started doing this last week and it has really helped. I simply stretched my calves, hamstrings, and quads for about 3 minutes. (i.e., sit on a bed and touch your toes (flex your feet, don’t point them) for 60 seconds, break, 60 seconds, break, 60 seconds)

    You couldn’t have shared this article at a better time for me as I’m on the prowl for natural long-term solutions to my RLS! (It also causes constipation, or is caused by constipation, I can’t figure out which comes first.) But, for all types out there: try the stretching before bed, it really helps me a lot!

    Reply
  28. Although I wouldn’t dream of saying that it would work for everyone, I’d like to share our experience in the case that it may be a blessing to …
    I had heard somewhere else just what you’re now saying, that restless leg syndrome is caused my a deficiency in magnesium. I instantly thought of epsom salt. Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. As a laxative, it’s taken 1 TBS at a time, so in large amounts, though disgusting to the taste, is totally safe. My husband has suffered from RLS for years. Some nights were so bad that I had to sleep in a different room. That night he took 1 tsp dissolved in a glass of water just a few hours before bedtime. He didn’t kick all night! He woke up the next morning and said it was the best sleep he’d gotten for years. 🙂 Not wanting to take any chances, he took another tsp. the next evening. I suggested he didn’t want to go to another extreme and that he stop and see what happens. A week later I noticed a bit of twitching in his leg, so the following day he took another tsp. That was approx. two months ago and his RLS hasn’t returned. If it does, I plan to give him another tsp.!

    Reply
  29. My girlfriend suffers from RLS and has difficulty falling asleep at night. I introduced her to Kratom tea and she says it’s the best thing for relieving restlessness while also helping your muscles to relax. Worth trying every once in a while

    Reply
  30. I also have had great luck with the Hylands Restful Legs and it is really cheap at Walmart. Also, and I know this sounds totally crazy but my RLS seems to be much worse when I haven’t shaved my legs. Like I said crazy but true. And keeping my feet warm while I sleep helps.

    Reply
    • I too tried Restful Legs and yes, it did work. I had a startle, though, when I studied the ingredients. The first ingredient is arsenic! I told my doctor, and he said take enough of it, it will cure all my problems!

      Reply
  31. Thanks for this article! I have very mild, occasional RLS but I don’t want it to get worse. I am also 17 weeks into my first pregnancy. (:D!) Question: I have tried to supplement with topical magnesium oil, even a low concentrations, but I always get small red bumps. I spray on my belly and chest and the bumps show up there. I don’t get any reaction when I do a bath of magesium salts. But oil is so much more convenient. It’s a big time devotion to do a mag bath every day. Any idea why/what that red bump reaction is? Thanks as always for great info!

    Reply
  32. According to Dr. Carolyn Dean’s book, “The Magnesium Miracle” side effects from Ventolin (albuterol) inhaler, used by asthmatics, “include severe magnesium deficiency”. Wow, I was glad to find that out! I make good use magnesium for sure.

    Reply
    • I would hardly suggest giving up your rescue inhaler for magnesium. Breathing is not exactly an option for us with Asthma and RLS. I enjoy breathing thank you very much. And reading all the comments here, and will say I manage several RLS groups, including that largest one on Yahoo, that nothing ever works for everyone wen it comes to RLS. I have NO idea how the soap thing would ever work, and I and many of members have experimented with anything you can come up with for a “natural” treatment. A friend of mine with RLS is a chemist that worked in a soap factory. He says that there is no way the “molecules of the soap can jump to your legs” and be absorbed at all. I strongly believe that the only way the “soap thing could possibly work for a true case of severe RLS, which is purely neurological, would be the placebo effect. Now there is nothing wrong with a placebo effect, but it is NOT going to cure your RLS. Just like the other tings mentioned here. None of them have ever worked for me and I have been researching RLS since 1998, or most of my groups’ members. We just have to keep in mine that there are several levels of RLS severity, and maybe for a trivial case of RLS, the natural things mayu work. IT is a progressive disease, and it ramps itself up very few years, at least that is “normal” for most RLSer’s. We have done elimination diets, and all kinds of things. Some people are helped by magnesium. But that works on the smooth muscles, and again RLS is neurological, not muscular IN ANY WAY.. Some people get leg cramps and RLS mixed up, including doctors, and they have no relation to RLS at all,. I suggest looking at http://www.quackwatch.com and search Dr. Carolyn Dean for some fun reading. She does not even believe RLS exists! She blogged about that,m and I quote” If you would get your lazy as**s out of your recliners and move, you would not be restless! Really???????? We cannot STOP moving, so that was about the dumbest thing I have ever read on RLS “Myths”. It was removed from her web site because the pressure to tell the truth was too much for her. So see Quackwatch and read the court papers and charges. Very interesting reading, I promise you. Just being real here.

      Reply
      • Donna, I don’t think Christine was suggesting that she replaced her inhaler with magnesium. Rather, I think she meant that she supplements with magnesium to compensate for what’s lost due to the medication.

        I have never heard or read anything from Dr. Dean that reflects the opinions you describe – can you point me to the post where she says this?

        Finally, while I know there are some, ahem, interesting theories about health and wellness out there, I don’t think Quack Watch is a reliable source for sorting through them.

        Reply
  33. I have RLS in a VERY specific situation. When I stay up too late sitting on my couch. It’s weird but I’ll start to get all twitchy and feel like I just HAVE to move my legs but switching positions and such doesn’t really help. But the moment I get up it’s gone (it’ll come back if I get back on the couch though) so it’s actually a good thing for me! It makes me shut down the computer and go to bed. It only happens late at night and only when I’m sitting in the couch! Weird!

    Reply
    • Ruth it’s not weird, because this is exactly what happens to me. When I get up to go to bed, the nights that are bad in bed are the ones if I have been sitting too long. But I will try the restless leg from Walmart!

      Reply
    • If I have to sit in an upright chair this often exacerbates my symptoms. I suspect it’s mostly due to poor circulation in that position. Also, if I’m in a chair, I’m likely sitting someplace more professional or formal where my twitching seems more noticeable by comparison.

      Reply
  34. I had RLS during my 4th pregnancy, what worked for me was taking large doses of Vitamin B complex. I usually took 2 B-100s, twice a day.

    Reply
  35. One thing I’ve tried that helped was tonic water – a glass right before bed, or if I wake up feeling it I just drink one then. I think it’s the quinine (if that’s how you spell it???) that’s in the tonic water – it worked well for me for about a year – now I”m pregnant and it’s worse and the tonic water isn’t helping, but it used to, it’s safe and easy to take, and it’s totally worth a try if you haven’t before.

    Reply
  36. Energetic cleansing. Start with a bath with baking soda and bath salts. Then maybe move up to smudging if you’re up to it. Then house cleansing. Usually things with no cause or cure have an energetic cause.

    Reply
  37. don’t undrstand underlying causes but have definitely connected eating sugar in the evening with a bouts of restless legs.

    Reply
  38. I was tortured by restless legs for a long time, and what has almost entirely eliminated it (95-99% gone) was drastically improving the healthiness/nutrition of the food that I eat, exercising more, and drinking only water for drinks – and plenty of it.

    Reply
  39. I have been using Ancient Minerals magnesium lotion for probably 6 months now. I was feeling that in my legs and it literally disappears within a minute of rubbing it in. It also feel very relaxed and am able to go to sleep much quicker after using it. I have a bag of their magnesium flakes as well, so I can make some mag. oil once the lotion is gone. 🙂

    Reply
  40. Hi Heather,
    What would you recommend in place of iron supplementation? My 21 month old has had very low iron since his 1 year check up, despite starting him off on the right foot (delayed cord clamping, bone broth as first foods, etc). We’ve had a very hard time getting his levels back up and have tried everything from eliminating gluten and dairy to seeing a chiropractor. The biggest red flag is his severe sleep issues. He wakes at least 6-7 times a night, stretching his legs and screaming, not so much in pain but agitation. RLS seems like it could be the culprit, but in the case of iron deficiency, what would you recommend? I’ve thought to supplement with magnesium too but it sounds like that would interfere more? I feel like all my efforts are in vain as nothing seems to help. Any thoughts?

    I truly just love your site. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • Hi Amy, I know midwives recommend Floradix as a whole food iron supplement for pregnant women, but I don’t know about it’s use in children. If it were me I’d consult with a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner to identify more clearly what might be going on. My friend Jennifer Nervo of 20 Something Allergies is a great NTP: http://www.20somethingallergies.com/

      Reply
      • My daughter had iron deficient anemia when she was almost a year old. The pediatrician prescribed iron pills, but I chose to use Floradix instead. The pediatrician wasn’t happy about my choice, but she suggested giving almost double the recommended dose. Follow up blood testing proved that the Floradix worked for her. 🙂

        Reply
  41. Wow, I just read everyone of these comments, although I’ve tried many of these, I made a list of some other options to try . Thank you and to everyone

    Reply
  42. Anyone taking anti depressants? I take Prozac and it seems to be part of the issue. I have RLS and brain zaps. Very frustrating.

    The bar of soap did not work for me nor the epsom salt baths. I lay in bed until I am so exhausted I eventually knock out around 3/4am.(plus the getting up two or three times to get some relief) It also only happens at night. One point it got so bad I felt it in my lower back and running through my left arm. UGH.

    I thought it had to do with nerve damage or something like a pinched nerve. I’ve tried everything.

    Today I am trying Omega 3,6,9 and Iron supplements. Let me say this prematurely, as of taking both supplements an hour ago I feel calm. Honestly, like my body is finally resting. Fingers crossed this is the antidote!!!

    Cheers and best of luck. To each his own!

    Reply
  43. Have your ever heard of a bout of mastitis triggering RLS? I recently had mastitis and afterwards have developed what you described above as pins and needles in my upper thighs.

    Reply
  44. I have horrible RLS and so does my 6 year old daughter. She began having symptoms at age 3 and it has only gotten worse. Poor girl has a horrible time falling asleep and then moves ALL night long – impossible to sleep if she crawls in bed with us! I know there have been no approved meds for kids – so any suggestions as to how I can help her?!

    Reply
  45. For my RLS, this will sound crazy but I get up and take 5-6 marischino cherries. It might all be in my head, but it works every time. My brother swears by it also.

    Reply
  46. Magnesium has greatly reduced my RLS symptoms but I also have to keep an eye on what I eat or drink.

    In particular I still love soda but invariably if I start to drink too much of it my legs will begin to act up again. Sometimes it will take a couple days for it to happen but it never fails to trigger my restless legs.

    Reply
    • I had discovered this also, and had forgotten about it until I read your post. My mother has RLS extremely bad and she drinks a lot of Coke. I think I’m going to try going without again. Has anyone noticed if it is just Coke or all sodas? Thanks

      Reply
  47. RLS is caused by an imbalance of dopamine, not vitamin or mineral deficiencies. It isn’t caused by sugar or grains. Symptoms of RLS come and go, so it may seem that because you stopped eating sugar, symptoms improved, but in reality it’s just the natural fluctuations in the syndrome. It is a genetic syndrome, and there is currently no cure. There are treatments that can help with symptoms of RLS, but supplements are a waste of time and money unless you’ve been DIAGNOSED with a deficiency. For that, you need to see a doctor and have blood work done. There’s no point in taking supplements that you don’t need.

    I have had RLS since I was a teenager (nearly 25 years!), and have tried every single supplement, dietary change, and home remedy out there. I’ve thought I “cured” my RLS many times through diet or supplements, only to have it reappear. None of the home remedies worked in the long term. My mother also has RLS and I assume I got it from her, since most cases run in families and can easily be traced back through your family history.

    I use a TENS unit when my legs are really bothering me. You can get one online for under $50, and they are invaluable for RLS. Also a shower before bed sometimes helps. But all the supplements in the world will not cure RLS.

    Reply
  48. I have had RLS most of my life without realizing it. I ended up on disability 12 years ago after shattering my left heel. constant pain, buzzing tingeing twitches crawling. This condition grew to affect the arms and hands as well. To make a very long and painful story shorter, about 6 months ago I found out that I was infected with a strain of bartonella bacteria as a child in 1969. This stealth bacteria releases an endotoxin when it dies that binds to the nerves and causes way to many issues to list but they are very similar to RLS symptoms! The bacteria infects the bones, brain and spinal cord and really plays havoc with the whole system. unless caught early in the acute stage it becomes almost impossible to detect and is very difficult to eradicate. In my experience most western medicine Drs have very limited knowledge of this very common pathogen (over 40% of domestic cats carry at least one of 30 known strains!). If they have heard of it, their information on it is 20 years out of date! Of the thirty know strains, 12 have been identified that infect humans.
    I have had success in reducing the symptoms with a number of treatments…
    Limit sugar and gluten intake
    Soaking in HOT water till my head sweats
    steam sauna
    Epsom salt soaks
    homeopathic Nerve Fix (pricey but worth it)
    cannabis (great for sleeping)
    Tahitian Noni Juice
    Most important is keeping a clean and healthy gut and liver!
    To control the Bartonella and hopefully eliminate it I am following the Salt C+ protocol and some of Dr Steven Buners recommendations. Both books can be found on Amazon.
    I hope someone reading this may have an ah ha moment or perhaps find some answers.

    Reply
  49. It was linked to low ferritin for us. Iron supplements did help (recommended by our holistic practitioner), along with vitamin C. Ferritin under 40 can cause ADHD and RLS symptoms. Mine was only 11.

    Reply
  50. I experience RLS every so often, especially during pregnancy. I’ve found that if I get out of bed and stretch my calf muscles by bending over and touching my toes for 30 counts, I experience some reliefe. Sometimes I have to do this twice before my legs will”quiet down”.

    Reply
  51. I’ve been afflicted with RLS for 30 years. The most effective remedy I’ve found is an electric vibrator that I use all over both legs for about. 10 minutes. Sometimes I have to do it twice but it always works. And I get to sleep!

    Reply
  52. Pickle juice eliminates RLS quickly. It only take a T spoon or 2. I don’t know how or why but I know it works great. (Probably tne vinegar.)

    Reply
  53. I have RLS. Have had it since I was 12 or 13. Got diagnosed when I was 30. Sprained my ankle kicking my footboard of my bed from periodic limb movement disorder. Not everyone who has RLS has PLMD; and not everyone who has PLMD has RLS. Hereditary peripheral neuropathy runs in my family. So far, my labs are all normal. Dietary changes haven’t helped. Gluten-free pescatarian here. I have to take a Parkinson’s drug if I want to sleep. The other neuropathy signs/symptoms are showing up. But I am fighting those tooth and nail. I take a super-duper (smile here, people lol) supplement with loads of Mg, copper, Ca, -you name it, it’s in there. My neurologist approved it.
    I honestly think (apologies for the TMI) that certain life changes a woman goes through has made the RLS worse. Then again, that could be psychosomatic. Best of luck to all who have and suffer from this. Blessings!!

    Reply
  54. Wearing light support stockings, tights or hose helps me alot especially when it’s cold because of the arthritis. Exercise &/or hard work but not over doing it helps one to sleep better also.

    Reply
  55. Two very simple, silly solutions have provided relief to me. I offer them here. I know they are silly. But consider them harmless in execution and may work immediately:
    1.Bar of Ivory soap. A bar of soap placed in proximity to or in contact with the legs provides IMMEDIATE RELIEF of restless leg symptoms. Other bars of soap are also effective. Some people place soap in socks, and then wear the socks to bed.
    2. Aloe Vera. After trying numerous gels which provide a cooling sensation(menthols) or a warming sensation(icy hot), some restless leg sufferers now apply aloe vera to their legs a couple of hours (or less) before bedtime. Aloe vera also provides IMMEDIATE relief. Do not wash it off. Simply apply and leave. Try to find 100% Aloe(typically clear, must be ordered online, sometimes available at Walgreen’s).

    Perhaps these methods could be called the placebo effect. But, I suffered restless legs for decades, and soap and aloe vera have provided years of relief. Furthermore, they represent no harm to the user, are inexpensive, and at most would cost an afternoon of time.

    Reply
  56. I have never experienced this before, but I have felt something creeping up on me. For years, when I get very tired my whole body becomes extremely restless. Sleep always did the trick, but lately it hasn’t been helping. My legs and arms are just going crazy. And then last night -Holy Cow- I didnt know what was going on. My legs were going crazy and I could not sleep! I looked up my symptoms thinking it was all about stress and this (RLS) came up. I also went to another couple of sites that stated it’s Estrogen Dominance.
    *ding ding ding*!!!
    I will soon be 47 and have been using progesterone cream for over 2 years now to help ease me into perimenopause. I ran out about 4 months ago and haven’t been taking anything. Since then, I have an ovarian cyst that won’t go away, my breasts are extremely tender, my periods were coming early, I am so bloated despite my gluten free, mostly paleo diet ,and I cannot lose weight despite my great diet and exercise. Not only that, but the mood swings and depression are occurring far too often! I also have autoimmune hypothyroid (for which I take Naturethroid and LDN) and that is another symptom. I was attributing all these symptoms to a very stressful event which occurred around the same time as I ran out of Progesterone.
    So today I went out to a local nutrition/healthy vitamin store and bought a tube of Pro-Gest cream. It’s also available on Amazon.
    Based on the websites I have been reading and the comments, I think this is where my RLS problem stems, and I think it’s also the problem of many others, especially perimenopausal women.

    For relief last night, I rubbed my legs with Vicks Vap-O-rub and I was able to get to sleep. As for the magnesium deficiency, I whole-heartedly agree. I have always been mindful of it and I take epsom salt baths at least once a week, sometimes more. But for me, I think it’s the estrogen dominance.

    Stay away from the Rx meds!!
    Big Pharm is not out to help you!

    Reply
  57. I cant seem to get any relief. On gabapentin , during the day, peripheral neuropathy. Baths, reading, nothing works. Will try some of these things mentioned here.

    Reply
  58. I have suffered with RLS for decades. Mine feels like someone is tickling my feet really hard, and I have to pull away. A few years ago, I read about a very expensive device that is supposed to cause some kind of pressure that changes the RLS signals going to your brain. To me, it sounded similar to the effect you get when you scratch near, but not on, a rash or insect bite. I couldn’t afford to buy the device, but it made me think! The next time my RLS kicked in, I grabbed my legs and squeezed them. It actually helped a bit– until my hands and arms got tired. And, I couldn’t squeeze AND fall asleep. After trying this, with a little success, a few more times– the lightbulb came on. ACE (elastic) BANDAGES!!! I have kept 2 of them next to my bed, for the last 5 years or so, and they really work! SERIOUSLY! The key is that I need to wrap up early when the tingling starts. The longer I wait, the longer it takes to work, and the tighter I have to wrap. ACE BANDAGES have worked so well for me that I rarely, if ever, have to take the Clonazepam that I had been taking for RLS!!! I know I haven’t taken one in at least 6 months to a year. Now, my husband suggests that I switch to compression socks, rather than ace BANDAGES, which would be easier– but I haven’t bothered to yet.

    Reply
  59. I have rls that comes only at night, watching tv, and a movie theater is horrible.. i tried the soap in socks, instant relief. If my wife just lightly squeezes either ankle and slightly pulls the leg, it goes away instantly and puts me right to sleep. If i happen to wake up, its gone, pretty sure its all in the nerves. been taking lots of mag, iron, B12, E, D, supplements don’t seem to help me yet. Orgasms, ozycodone or marijuana, instant relief.

    Reply
  60. I’m in the middle of an RLS flare-up, and am researching again. This time I also have pain in my elbows. A visit with the Dr, and we are examining a possible relationship between inflammation and RLS. A very interesting article covers this:
    http://www.progressivehealth.com/3-steps-reversing-rls.htm

    Just an idea. I’m trying to knock down the inflammation, and have upped my Requip. Was better last night. Also, though my doc won’t prescribe it yet, I’ve heard great things about Tramadol for RLS.

    Reply
  61. Does anyone use Essential Oils to effectively treat RLS? If so, please describe your protocol, or your essential oil blend recipe.

    I am 53 and in Peri-menopause. I am able to shorten the length of my RLS episodes by placing an ice pack on my chest.

    Reply
  62. I know I need to see the Chiropractor when I get RLS. I only get it when I need an adjustment. I do have degenerative issues in my spine so that may be why.

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  63. Ive had ela for along time I have no idea what to do I’m up every gr8. Peeling & legs I can’t even walk because my are so knotted up it hurts to walk but I try to walk but it hurts so bad, I have tried emsalt baths but nothing seams to work.

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  64. pickle juice. a T. or two will cure it really quickly. i don’t get rls but occasionally get muscle spasms & this works incredibly well. about 20 minutes later i’m fine. it’s supposed to work for rls as well & i’ve read people have great results for that too.

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  65. Eat a banana every day or take two 500 mg. of turmeric capsules. My nurse practioner told me about this. They work!

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  66. I found a wonderful DIY Whipped Magnesium Lotion recipe for RSL, along with lots of information, on “Don’t Waste the Crumbs” website. This lotion really works. RSL does not keep me awake anymore.

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  67. CBD (hemp) oil has alleviated all the symptoms of my restless leg syndrome. I have had it SEVERE for about 15 years, losing up to 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night. It doesn’t make you high or make you fail a drug test. I use the sublingual oil from PrimeMyBody which has an amazingly high absorption rate. I tried it specifically for RLS, seeing i had tried everything else with no success. Three-four squirts under the tongue at night and the RLS symptoms were gone. After a month, still using every night, and still amazed at how i am now able to sleep. Plus the oil seems to be wonderful for EVERYTHING including pain and inflammation, anxiety, etc. It’s a miracle to me

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  68. I would love to find the right combination of treatments to cure my RLS. Did you consult with a doctor or other health practitioner to discover what worked, or just figure it out by trial and error?

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  69. I was diagnosed with RLS when I was very young. Am now 35 and have minimal RLS syndrome. I cut out most grains, gluteus, started an all natural diet, lessened my refined sugar intake, increased my veggies. Especially the dark greens & leafy greens. I am having a hard time getting my doctor to do the correct blood panels though, he keeps wanting to argue with me on everything and have already switched my doctors 3 times in under a year due to them wanting to argue with me on how my own body feels. I know my iron is low because I cannot taste the iron in my blood when I prick my finger which is isn’t good. So I upped my spinach intake and refuse to do hard capsules due to how the body has a difficult time breaking these down in the amount of time that the body takes to digest. All in all, mine is getting better. Thank you for this article, it’s going to help in the aid of talking with my doctor. Thank you so much!

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  70. By accident I discovered that using a vibrator cancels out the RLS symptoms. If you are taking meds and it takes time for the meds to kick in, a vibrator helps immediately. I am experimenting on the type of vibrator and the placement of the vibrator to see what works best. I think there are a number of vibrators that work and the placement can also be in a number of locations.. i.e groin, pelvis area. I think anything gives off a stronger signal than the restless leg does cancels out the RLS signals. Would love to hear is anyone else is helped by this method.

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  71. I have been on strong allopathic drugs to control my RLS until I read a post on Facebook about using a bar of soap and I haven’t looked back since then! The first bar of soap I tried didn’t work so I changed the brand and found that worked. It’s something in the soap that gives the relief!

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  72. I’ve suffered with RLS for about 60 years. About 10 years ago I finally figured out that, for me, salt will trigger my RLS with a vengeance. It’s not the easiest thing to completely remove from the diet though.

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