Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 24, 2024
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.”
– Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep
Hi Leg Up,
Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed, waiting for visions of sugarplums to dance in your head, only to be interrupted by legs that won’t lie still.
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) can really ruin your sleep. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help ease those symptoms.
When my patients come to me complaining about restless legs, I typically offer them some natural solutions to try first…
Magnesium supplements: Magnesium is crucial for muscle and nerve function. A deficiency can contribute to RLS symptoms. Magnesium-rich foods include lean meats, poultry, eggs, seafood, beans, peas, lentils, almonds, cashews, avocados, and spinach. Supplements are also available.
Iron: Low iron levels are associated with RLS. Increasing iron intake may ease the uncontrollable urge to move your legs if you’re iron deficient. Iron-rich foods include liver, red meat, and shellfish, like clams, oysters, and mussels. Iron supplements are also available but always check with your doctor before taking one.
Herbal remedies: In some cases, herbs, such as valerian root, horse chestnut, and Gingko Biloba, can relieve restless legs. Valerian also has mild sedative properties that may help with sleep.
Essential oils: When used topically (diluted in a carrier oil), calming essential oils such as lavender can help relax muscles and relieve restless legs so you can sleep.
Lifestyle modifications: Switching up some things in your daily routine could help keep your legs quiet longer.
- Regular exercise, particularly in the morning or afternoon
- Establishing a consistent sleep schedule
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening
- Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or gentle yoga before bed
Hydrotherapy: Alternating between hot and cold water on the legs can help reduce symptoms. Try popping into a warm shower and finishing off with a cold rinse before bed.
Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture can provide relief from RLS symptoms.
Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. Also, finding the right combination of solutions to manage your symptoms may take some time.
On this Christmas Eve, I wish you a peaceful night’s sleep with calm, comfortable legs tonight and beyond.
P.S. The TRUE cost of daytime sleepiness is REVEALED!
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
Mailbag: The REAL Reason You Can’t Lose Weight
“Why can’t I lose 10 pounds? I tried many versions of diets. Low Carb, intermittent fasting, etc.” Struggling to Slim Down Dear Struggling, Losing weight, especially when we’re past our 20s, can be frustrating. A muscle mass issue is most likely the culprit behind those struggles to slim down. You see, as we age, we...
Can Eating at the RIGHT Time Protect You from Diabetes?
When it comes to managing your health, when you eat may be just as important as what you eat. Now, a growing body of research shows that time-restricted eating (TRE), or intermittent fasting, may improve several markers of health… Particularly for people with metabolic syndrome. Before we dive into the benefits of time-restricted eating, let’s...
Could This Gut Bug Help Curb Your Sweet Tooth?
Yesterday, I warned you about the devastating health impact of sugary drinks (if you missed that, CLICK HERE to catch up). Well, in honor of Groundhog’s Day, I will to talk about sugar AGAIN today. Because if you’ve ever found yourself unable to resist that second (or third) cookie, you’re not alone. Our bodies are...
Sugary Drinks Fuel a Global Health Crisis
I don’t need to tell you that sugary drinks are the opposite of a health food. However, new research reveals just how harmful they really are. In fact, millions are being affected in disturbing ways that might shock you… A disturbing new study published in Nature Medicine has uncovered the devastating toll of sugar-sweetened beverages....
The Cancer-Fighting Superstar in Your Kitchen
Believe it or not, a health hero could be hiding in plain sight in your pantry right now. According to exciting new research, ordinary red onions are far more than just flavor boosters for your favorite soups, salads, and Mediterranean-inspired meals. Scientists uncovered evidence that this humble vegetable is packing some serious cancer-fighting power… The...
Small Moves for BIG Benefits (An Exercise Surprise!)
A patient asked me the other day, “What’s the least amount of exercise I can get by with that still has benefits?” That’s actually a great question. Because, let’s face it, many of us struggle to find time for exercise. And even more of us go out of our way to AVOID it. So, my...
Widespread “Forever” Chemicals Boost Cancer Risk?!
We’ve known for years that the chemicals lurking in many everyday products aren’t as harmless as we once believed… However, new research reveals an unsettling truth about one specific group of compounds that could be flowing straight from your tap into your waterglass. And according to a new study, they could be raising your cancer...
Mailbag: Ease Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve Pain NATURALLY
“What is your position on peripheral neuropathy?” —On Pins and Needles Hi Pins, Peripheral neuropathy is a challenging condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, often causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the hands and feet. Many folks describe neuropathies as feeling like pins and needles, tingling, or burning. When I...
Pancreas Protector Discovered in the VITAMIN Aisle
Most of us are concerned about our heart health. We also take steps to protect our brains. Even our kidneys and livers get some attention. But the pancreas? It’s seldom given a second thought—or at least, not until something goes wrong. And when it does, it can be serious business. The pancreas is vital for...
Study Reveals New Health Risk in Ultra-Processed Food
New research reveals that ultra-processed foods are even WORSE for our health than we imagined. And the problem isn’t just the sugar, salt, and artificial ingredients. There’s another sneaky threat lurking in convenience foods. And it could multiply their health risks… A recent study published in the journal Globalization and Health uncovered an alarming problem...