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Pins and needles, itchy, creepy-crawly… these are all terms used to describe the symptoms of restless legs syndrome, or RLS.
It can be hard to put this condition into words, but for those who have experienced it, the symptoms are unmistakable. Magnesium is one natural remedy that can help, but there’s so much more to addressing this condition.
Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (also called RLS or Willis-Ekbom disease) causes unpleasant sensations in the legs. Professional opinions vary, but it’s thought to affect about 7-10% of the population.
RLS is a neurological sensory disorder and since it usually interferes with sleep, it’s also classified as a sleep disorder.
As the name suggests, RLS is most commonly experienced in the legs, but can also occur in the arms or other body parts. The symptoms can range from mildly annoying to severe.
RLS sensations are often described as:
- burning
- tingling
- itching
- being poked with pins
- throbbing
- electric sensations
- creepy-crawlies
- aching
This not-fun list of symptoms is basically the body’s way of urging the legs to move and shake off the feeling (hence the name restless).
Restless Leg Syndrome at Night
Restless leg syndrome is the worst when at rest and it’s more common in the evenings. It can prevent sleep or disturb it, which can lead to a whole host of issues.
More than 80% of those with RLS also periodically twitch and kick their limbs throughout the night, about every 15 to 40 seconds. This RLS-related condition is referred to as periodic limb movement.
All that sleep loss often leads to daytime insomnia, even resulting in depression. When left untreated, it can result in about a 20% decrease in productivity.
How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosed?
There isn’t a particular test for RLS. It is typically diagnosed by the symptoms, however other tests may be needed to rule out related conditions that contribute to it.
What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?
It depends on the person, but there are a variety of conditions and factors in RLS.
In general, more women than men develop the condition, as do adults 40 years and older. Pregnancy increases the risk, as well as certain diseases, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies.
Even more strange, left-handed people are more likely to develop RLS than right-handed people. This is thought to be caused by differences in brain structure between the two groups that affect the nervous system.
Other causes may be:
Diseases Affecting the Brain
Certain diseases like anemia, Parkinson’s disease, kidney failure, and diabetes can also include restless legs syndrome as a symptom. Damage to the basal ganglia, the part of the brain that causes muscle movements, has been linked with RLS. The disrupted neural pathways then cause involuntary movements.
Medication
Medications that alter brain function, like antidepressants and antipsychotics can cause RLS (even though some doctors use them to treat it). Even the more common cold and allergy medications can contribute to the symptoms. If you have bothersome leg sensations and are on medication, it’s always a good idea to ask your doctor about a possible connection.
Food Triggers
Poor diet can also trigger RLS. Sugar depletes magnesium in the body, which in turn can cause RLS symptoms. Stimulants like caffeine and alcohol also tend to make the problem worse.
Food allergies or sensitivities to substances like gluten and monosodium glutamate (MSG) can also trigger RLS symptoms.
Genetics
About 50% of those with RLS also have a family member with the condition, so genetics are thought to be at play here. In a paper published by the Nephrology and Urology Research Center in Iran, researchers found that Asians are less likely to have RLS, as are those in Iran compared to the US.
African Americans are also 20% less likely than caucasians to experience RLS symptoms. Genetics and racial differences thus seem to play a role in RLS.
Pregnancy
Many mamas experience RLS for the first time during pregnancy, but the symptoms disappear after birth. This is thought to be caused by fluctuating hormones and low levels of certain vitamins due to baby’s development using up nutrient stores.
Autoimmune Disease
A 2012 paper from Sleep Medicine Reviews found that out of 38 conditions associated with RLS, 95% of them were autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. Researchers hypothesized that an immune reaction to bacteria in the intestines or other antigens could cause RLS by attacking the central or peripheral nervous systems.
Those who had rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) had significantly higher levels or RLS than those without arthritis. Even those who had osteoarthritis, which is associated with aging, had significantly lower levels of RLS than those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Gut Dysfunction
A 2011 study published in Sleep Medicine found a strong link between gut dysfunction and RLS. Sixty-nine percent of the RLS patients had small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), compared to only twenty-eight percent and ten percent in the non-RLS control groups. Twenty-eight percent of those in the RLS group had irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while only 4 percent in the control group had IBS.
If gut dysfunction is present, addressing bacterial overgrowth/imbalances and doing an autoimmune diet, like GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) is helpful. By fixing the gut, restless leg syndrome symptoms can improve or disappear.
Low Cortisol
Adrenal problems, like adrenal fatigue, can cause low cortisol levels in the body and even contribute to RLS. A 2008 study in the journal Neurology concluded that there was a link between restless legs syndrome and low cortisol levels. 50% of those in the study found symptom relief with the application of an anti-inflammatory hydrocortisone cream. Cold water therapy, or cryotherapy, also reduces inflammation.
How Do You Get Rid of Restless Leg Syndrome?
There are many different causes of restless legs syndrome. Like any condition, it helps to treat the root cause to bring about more than just symptom relief. Supporting the nervous system, eating the right foods, and taking certain supplements to correct deficiencies will all help address the root cause of RLS.
Prescription medications (usually anti-seizure medications) used to treat RLS do so by altering the brain’s chemistry and response to the nerve signals. The side effects of these drugs can be very dangerous. Common symptoms can range from everything from brain damage, to hallucinations, to twitching (what we’re trying to stop in the first place).
Even if these medications do help at first, the medical community suggests that the effectiveness diminishes over time.
Natural Remedies to Stop RLS
Even many conventional doctors will recommend lifestyle changes and natural methods before resorting to prescription drugs (which usually aren’t that effective for RLS). It may take a combination of things, but getting to the root cause is the best way to treat RLS.
Vitamins that help alleviate restless leg syndrome symptoms include:
Magnesium
Magnesium may be one of the most popular natural supplements for restless leg syndrome, and it isn’t hard to see why. Unfortunately magnesium deficiency is common in our modern society due to soil depletion. Sugar, alcohol, caffeine, certain medications, and even stress can deplete our body’s magnesium stores.
Researchers have found that certain muscles in the leg function differently in those with RLS, specifically the back left of the calf muscle, and the muscle to the right of the shin bone. Proper magnesium levels help these smooth muscle fibers relax and are essential to a healthy nervous system. Too much iron can deplete magnesium though, so it’s important to not overload on this supplement.
Selenium
Selenium supports dopamine function in the body, which is thought to be directly linked with restless legs syndrome. In an Iranian clinical trial, supplementation with 50 and 200 micrograms (mcg) of selenium significantly improved RLS symptoms. Both groups had good results, so researchers concluded that a 50 mcg dose would be more cost effective. Just one Brazil nut contains a full day’s worth of selenium, or about 77 micrograms.
Iron
Iron is also necessary for dopamine function in the body. Those with restless legs syndrome have been found to have too low iron levels in the brain.
About 30% of those with RLS can use iron supplements to reverse their symptoms. In a 2009 study published in Sleep Medicine, iron-deficient subjects saw a significant improvement in RLS symptoms after twelve weeks of iron supplementation. I like to get my iron from food whenever possible, but this is a good iron supplement to use when needed.
There are a few precautions though.
Too much iron can deplete magnesium, another nutrient linked with restless legs syndrome. In addition, too much iron may contribute to an increase in certain pathogenic bacteria in individuals with digestive issues. Plus, if your iron levels are too high, it can damage the heart, liver, adrenals and other organs. Some people also have a genetic disposition to iron overload called hemochromatosis, which often goes undiagnosed until there is severe damage.
If you choose to take iron supplements, be sure to follow up with your doctor to get laboratory measurements so your levels get into an optimal range.
Start by eating lots of iron-rich foods and see if you feel better. If your iron levels still test low, check with a natural health practitioner for guidance.
Vitamin D
Known as the happy vitamin, vitamin D is important for keeping the blues at bay. This vital nutrient also plays a part in restless legs syndrome.
Chris Kresser explains:
Some evidence indicates that vitamin D could play an important role by increasing levels of dopamine and its metabolites in the brain, as well as protecting dopamine-associated neurons from toxins. RLS has been associated with vitamin D deficiency in several studies, and disease severity has been inversely correlated with vitamin D levels.
One study found that RLS is more frequent and more severe in those with vitamin D deficiency. This also indicates that a deficiency in vitamin D has a negative effect on sleep. (I cover why vitamin D is so important and best ways to get it here.)
Other Natural Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome
- Lavender essential oil – A 2015 study published in the journal Nursing and Midwifery Studies found that a massage with lavender essential oil significantly improved symptoms. RLS sufferers received a 10 minute massage with lavender essential oil diluted to 1.5% twice weekly. Lavender also improves sleep quality and insomnia, which are often associated with RLS.
- Reflexology – Reflexology is when pressure is applied to specific pressure points, usually on the bottom of the foot. This pressure positively affects the nervous system. Researches compared a group of RLS patients receiving reflexology to those doing stretches and found both groups saw a decline in symptoms.
- Moderate aerobic exercise – Exercising releases endorphins, including dopamine which helps with muscle control.
- Detox baths – A warm bath with Epsom salts (which is magnesium sulfate) relaxes muscles and soothes RLS symptoms.
- Stress reduction – Practice relaxation techniques like meditation and these other stress-reducing tips.
- Massaging the legs – Get professional massage, or try these at-home massage options like my favorite massager or foam rollers on the legs. In one study, one third of participants no longer had RLS after massage, while the others saw significant improvement.
- Cold water therapy – May not sound fun, but neither are creepy-crawly legs! Try these techniques at home to decrease pain and inflammation-causing cytokines, improve circulation, and reduce sore muscles and spasms.
- Kick the caffeine habit – Avoid stimulants like alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen symptoms. These coffee alternatives can ease any withdrawal.
Restless Legs Relief During Pregnancy
In one study, pregnant women with low folate levels experienced an increase in depression and restless legs syndrome. Folate is found in foods like liver, but during pregnancy I also take a folate supplement (not folic acid!) to be sure my levels are high enough.
Iron and magnesium deficiency are other common problems in pregnancy that may contribute to restless leg, so consider some quality prenatal supplements if you have these symptoms.
Goodbye Restless Legs!
I haven’t experienced this problem myself, but it’s good to know there are so many options for alleviating restless legs symptoms naturally. If you suffer from restless legs, hopefully with these tips you can kiss restless legs goodbye and sleep easy!
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Ann Shippy, who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and a certified Functional Medicine physician with a thriving practice in Austin, Texas. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Have you had restless legs syndrome before? What is/was your experience and how did you find relief? Leave us a comment below!
I have gotten RLS with every pregnancy until I started working with a chiropractor! He adjusts my tail bone and RLS disappears!! The tail bone was pressing on nerves that’s just kept me up for hours at night. I’m so thankful I’ve found this fix!!!
I am one of those unfortunate women who has developed RLS during pregnancy. It has been so frustrating especially since sleep is so important during this time. I take a quality prenatal (Thorne), Vitamin D3, and Nordic Naturals Fish Oil. Have had my Doctor periodically check my folate, VD, and iron levels and all looks to be good. I get regular exercise but am now thinking about reflexology or acupuncture. Any other suggestions?? Just hoping it at least goes away after the baby!
I got RLS after I was stung by a scorpion and had a severe reaction. Happened when I was 12 and had no idea there was a name for it. It flairs when I’m overly tired or my leg muscles are sore.
I know this sounds crazy, but it really worked for my husband. We put a bar of soap at the foot of the bed on his side between the bottom sheet and the mattress pad. It has worked from the first night. A friend told us about this – it had worked for her. Not sure why. We have done it for years now and it has alleviated the symptoms. He only had problems in warm weather so it’s not a constant issue, but if we travel and it’s too warm at night the symptoms return.
That is what I have found that works! I keep a bar of soap under my bottom sheet at all times.
I started experiencing RLS in my late twenties. O played football every weekend to keep fit. At night I found my legs jerking and pains inside my bones. Meet 4 doctors but non knew what the problem was. They have me pain killers for it
Luckily I found a student doctor who pointed out I had RSL and adviced I reduce strenuous exercises. Now I am in my mid thirties and overweight. Can’t even climb my staircase without panting. I miss football but don’t want to get back the pain of RLS.
I am 58, very active, have been dealing with RLS since I was about 35. Exercise also flairs up the condition for me, unless I drink plenty of water EARLY IN THE DAY, and stretch the muscles. If I drink a lot at night to “catch up” the problem is worse. I am thinking electrolytes are a factor. If I drink a Gatorade in the afternoon the RLS is non existent but I try to avoid the sugar. Drink several glasses of water before/ during your football, then some stretching. When I get dehydrated I might go to sleep just fine, then have RLS flair up early in the morning. I guess as I sleep, I continue getting dehydrated and eventually get to the point it starts. If I forget these steps and feel it coming on I get up, drink a little water and stretch my calves, downward dog for 60 seconds works great, and keep my lower legs out of the covers so they stay cool.
I’m a right handed woman, and I have RLS. I remember my first episode of it I was sitting on a plane from Atlanta to Minneapolis. It was so bad I had to contort my leg very awkwardly to alleviate it. I was in the 5th grade. It was always REALLY bad while pregnant. In my late twenties I saw this guy on tv called Dr. Bob, the drugless doctor. He said that RLS is (or can be) caused by too much sugar after 6pm and sometimes 4pm. The sugar creates something in the body called substance P that creates those horrible sensations. The only natural remedy I remember from his show is eating cayenne pepper. It causes the substance P to move out of your body. So I stopped eating sugary foods after 6 and started putting cayenne pepper on my food and I had no symptoms for a long time. Occasionally I still do eat sugar when I want because I’m not pregnant any more, but if the symptoms start up, I just sprinkle some cayenne on a bit of food and the symptoms stop within an hour.
Thanks for sharing this- I’m excited to try it next time I have a problem!
I have had RLS since my teens. I am now 74. When it started up, after I was in bed, I would either get up or get into a hot shower for relief. Ever since 2008, I found Nature’s Inventory Night Time Leg Calm to alleviate the symptoms altogether. It is available in either oil or gel. I have not been without it , and apply it to the small of my back every night. I have been RLS free except for a few times it did break through. Basically, it has been a lifesaver!
It has run in the family on my Mom’s side. Both sisters and both brothers have it as well. Some of my Mom’s sisters had it, and my Grandma had it. It’s unknown as to how many others in the family had it.
My husband doesn’t have RLS, but toward morning, while dreaming, he thrashes and “acts out” his dreams (active dreaming). A couple of weeks ago he was unable to sleep and I offered him my rollerball of lavender essential oil to see if it relaxed him. No thrashing that night – or since. He now has his own bedside lavender EO. rollerball!
I think lavender works for me too, but I really don’t like the smell, so roll it on a paper towel or something and place it a few feet away from me.
After trying all of the above and a few more I finally upped my Alpha Lipoic acid to 1200 my per day, suggested on some site, and that finally gave me relief.
I have it every once in awhile. I have RA, but do not go to a dr for it. I have found that there are things I can do to help feel much better. Sun, I do not use sunscreen and get more sun, and now do not burn anymore. I also find that longer/harder walks in the morning, morning sun, and uphill, for about 30 minutes a day take down much inflammation. I try to not eat many carbs at all, but have increased my veggies-no carby ones, though. I take iodine, potassium, and mg. every day and use natural progesterone. The better I eat the better I feel. The more I do the better I am, and the more sun, the better, too. Sleep-make it a priority. Block out all light and have your bedroom cool enough. I take no meds and do have leaky gut and was tested and had/have? cryptpsporidium. You just have to take good care of yourself, it takes time and effort. I also make everything from scratch-no MSG or additives. I think histamine is also a problem, so I try to limit those foods. When I do all the above I have more energy and sleep well. I am 63.
My Dad had terrible RLS for years, and I’ve had it for about 4 or 5 years. I’ve been dry-brushing my skin for 18 months, and that helps, and I elevate my legs in an adjustable bed. I’ve used magnesium spray once in a while, when I remembered, starting about a year ago. I never thought it might help RLS; only that it might be good for me in general. A few weeks ago I learned about magnesium possibly helping depression. So for the last month I use the spray at least 5 nights a week. Plus, about 4 months ago I started a probiotic drink, again just because I figured it would be good for me in general, not thinking about RLS. And yes, my RLS is better, not gone, but better. Anything I can do to prevent a prescription, because I already have a bunch of those.
I had restless legs for the first time ever during the last trimester of my fifth pregnancy. I was just about going crazy with the lack of sleep and continual discomfort. Epsom salt baths with lavender oil were my go to to help me wind down every evening and increase my magnesium intake then after some routine bloodwork I found out I was extremely anaemic. I started taking daily iron supplements and eating a couple of portions of liver every week and it completely disappeared.