Mailbag! Put Restless Leg Syndrome to Bed

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted July 6, 2021

I suffer from restless leg syndrome and it drives me crazy! I’ve tried just about everything in the book. What do you suggest?

–Ron from Indianapolis, IN

Ron, restless leg syndrome has a way of driving even the most patient person crazy.

Whether it’s the feeling of ants running up and down your legs, or you get that crampy, I-need-to-move-my-legs-NOW pain, RLS can be unbearable… especially when you’re trying to sleep.

And the problem is, mainstream doctors often treat restless legs with drugs called dopamine agonists like pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. Dopamine agonists increase a brain chemical called dopamine, which supposedly calms down restless legs.

You’re probably smart enough to know what happens next: the drugs don’t make you feel any better, and now you’re at risk for side effects, including:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• weight gain,
• fainting,
• hives,
• and more.

Don’t get me wrong, RLS is nothing to ignore. But mainstream drugs aren’t the way to go.

Let me show you what I’ve seen actually work instead.

Dr. Scott’s Pathway to Putting Restless Leg Syndrome to Bed:

• Start by checking to see if you are anemic. Having low iron is extremely rare in men, but much more common in women. Anemia is a common cause of RLS, but you don’t want to supplement with iron unless you’ve had a test that confirms your iron is low.
• Get your blood sugar under control. Blood sugar problems commonly lead to restless leg syndrome.
• Find the triggers. Some people are sensitive to alcohol or caffeine. Try to stay away from these for a week or two and see how you feel.
• Supplement with magnesium and potassium. These minerals are very hard to get through diet and need to be supplemented.
• B vitamins. Studies suggest that people with RLS have a genetic need for more B vitamins. I recommend taking a B-complex.
• Eat salt. I know you’ve been told to stay away from salt your whole life, but your body badly needs the minerals that salt provides. Choose a Himalayan salt or a mined salt for best results.
• Try a warm bath with Epsom salts. Taking a bath right before going to bed can help your mind and body relax, and Epsom salts include magnesium, which naturally helps your muscles as well. If you can’t take a bath, try a hot shower.

I hope that one or more of these methods help you, Ron.

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

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 By Dr. Scott Olson, ND