Natural cure for restless legs

Q:

My doctor diagnosed me with restless legs syndrome and suggested medication, but I want to try natural remedies first. Is there anything that can ease my symptoms and improve my sleep?

A:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is more common as we age. It can be genetic or it can develop as a symptom of other conditions, like hypothyroidism or diabetes. As you know, RLS causes a sensation in the legs that creates an uncontrollable urge to move, often disturbing sleep. Medication can be helpful, but it can cause side effects like nausea and insomnia. Thankfully, natural remedies can effectively reduce your discomfort.

First, I advise sleeping in compression socks with arch support, like Nurse Mates Compression Socks (NurseMates.com). The socks put light pressure on muscles in the feet that reduces the impulse to move. Investigators reporting in The

Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that the strategy was 140% more effective than drug treatments for RLS, and it helped subjects sleep 82% more soundly since RLS symptoms did not disturb sleep.

Something else to consider: Take a pre-bed bath with Epsom salts. They are loaded with magnesium, which relaxes muscles and calms the nerve signals that make you want to move. Indeed, 41% of folks with RLS saw immediate improvement in symptoms after increasing their magnesium levels. And University of Texas scientists found that a 10-minute bath before bed is more effective at inducing deep sleep than prescription pills.

I also suggest having your doctor check your iron levels. While many women over 50 have plenty of iron stores, RLS can be caused by low iron, so it’s a good idea to get checked. If you are low, simple diet changes can help.