Treatment - Restless Legs Syndrome
The goals of treatment for
- Relieve symptoms
- Increase the amount and quality of sleep
- Treat or correct any underlying condition that may cause RLS
Types of treatment include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medication
Lifestyle Changes - Restless Legs Syndrome
- Avoid things that can make symptoms of RLS worse:
- Tobacco
- Alcohol
- Caffeine—Chocolate, coffee, tea, and some soft drinks contain caffeine. Although it may seem to help overcome daytime sleepiness, caffeine usually only delays or masks RLS symptoms, and often makes them worse.
- Some medicines—Some types of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can also make RLS symptoms worse. These include:
- Antidepressants (most of them)
- Antinausea medicines
- Antipsychotic medicines
- Antihistamines
- Adopt good sleep hygiene measures sleep hygiene and follow a regular exercise program. Some people with RLS find it helpful to go to bed later in the evening and get up later in the morning. The important thing is to get enough sleep so that you feel rested when you wake up.
Other activities that also may help relieve symptoms include:
- Walking or stretching
- Taking a hot or cold bath
- Massaging the leg or arm
- Using heat or ice packs