Natural Restless Legs Solutions Deliver Better Sleep
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 26, 2024
“Is there anything to help restless legs so I can sleep?”
– RestLESS
Hi RestLess,
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurological disorder. It triggers an uncontrollable urge to move your legs.
Folks who battle RLS often describe it as an aching, tingly, or crawling sensation. Symptoms frequently worsen when you’re resting.
RLS can also cause jerking movements of the legs—and, as you can imagine, that can really mess with your sleep.
When I have a patient with RLS, I typically present them with some natural approaches that have helped many others find real relief:
- Iron and magnesium: Low levels of these minerals are often linked to RLS. Try eating more iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and pumpkin seeds. Magnesium-rich foods include nuts, avocados, and bananas.
- Stretching and yoga: Light stretching or gentle yoga before bed can help relax your muscles and ease RLS symptoms.
- Warm bath or shower: A warm bath with Epsom salts an hour before bed can help relax your muscles and improve circulation. Or, a warm shower right before turning in can do the same.
- Massage: Try massaging your legs before bed or using a foam roller to help ease tension.
- Herbal remedies: Some with RLS find relief with valerian root or chamomile tea, known for their calming properties.
- Exercise: Regular moderate exercise during the day can improve sleep quality and reduce RLS symptoms.
- Limit triggers: Cut back on common RLS triggers, including caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine—especially in the evening.
- Cold and hot therapy: Many folks find relief by alternating hot and cold packs on their legs.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique can help relieve RLS symptoms.
When patients ask me which solution to start with, I typically recommend giving a warm bath or shower a try. It’s free and easy to do, and many of the folks I’ve treated for RLS report that it works wonders.
Remember, checking in with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions is always a good idea. And be patient… it might take some trial and error to find what combination of solutions works best for you.
P.S. 8-hour myth is BUSTED… do THIS to sleep like a baby.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...