Sleep Disorder : Restless Legs Syndrome - Treatment

Treatment - Restless Legs Syndrome

The goals of treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS) are to:

• 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

Lifestyle changes can improve and relieve symptoms of RLS. Lifestyle changes may be the only treatment needed for mild RLS. Some lifestyle changes that may help include:

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• 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.

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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