If you have that creepy crawly feeling in your legs at night and suspect you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS), seeing your doctor is the right thing to do. However, that doesn’t mean your physician will necessarily prescribe medication to ease the sensation. Many doctors say people with mild symptoms of RLS may find relief through simple lifestyle changes.
Cutting caffeine is one place to start, as caffeine often intensifies the symptoms of RLS long term. All caffeinated tea, many soft drinks and even chocolate should be removed from your diet. Alcohol can also make symptoms of RLS worse. So passing on the glass of beer, wine or hard liquor may help as well. Additionally, studies have shown that tobacco may aggravate some cases of RLS, so cut back on smoking and other tobacco products.
In the short term, people with RLS often find walking alleviates their discomfort. Many people with RLS say that muscle massages, a cold or hot pack and a bath or a shower helps. Alternative therapies, such as acupressure, relaxation exercises or yoga have also been shown to reduce symptoms.
