Walkies With RLS and Other Ways I Relax My Legs

As restless legs syndrome (RLS) quite often hits us during the early hours of the night, wearing the carpet out whilst pacing around or hoping we might stretch like Stretch Armstrong, are about our only choices for relief.

I find tiring my legs out in the evening can sometimes help.

Exercise with my four-legged friend

I am lucky enough to be a pawrent to Belle, whom I may have mentioned before! She is my constant companion who snores louder than me while sleeping just as much as I do during the day.

As a British Bulldog, she suffers from mild breathing problems that require her to be walked short distances once or twice a day. I take the chance to exercise my legs a small amount, which helps loosen my leg muscles, in preparation for bed.

A relaxing soak in the tub

One of my most enjoyable remedies is simple and quite cost-effective. I use Epsom salts in a warm bath with some essential oils, mainly lavender.

The salts help tackle the tightness starting in your legs. Please bear in mind, if you get in the bath and feel your legs tighten up more (which can be the case sometimes, there seems to be no trigger, it just happens) then get out! It can bring on your RLS prematurely.

If your legs will tolerate it, then stay in until your fingers resemble a prune!

At-home massage machines

A few years ago I purchased a handheld massage machine. It looks like a tiny octopus with 3 little feet that happen to be the massage pads.

Once you have extracted yourself from the warm, luxurious bath, pop on a nightdress/nightshirt and locate yourself on the sofa. Position yourself comfortably, and turn on your little machine, placed on the tense section of your thighs.

After about 15 minutes of massage, you should find your muscles have relaxed, leaving you ready for bed.

Lavender scent for relaxation

Lavender, as an essential oil, can be very useful in all things RLS-related. It can be added to basic hand and body creams, bringing a relaxing aroma or a few drops added to your pillow just before bed can help aid a relaxed sleep.

Try buying your laundry detergent perfumed with lavender to add the scent to your bedding and nightwear. Chamomile is also a stress-relieving flower, as you undoubtedly know; teabags are readily available.

Meditation for stress relief

Meditation can be extremely useful if you can find a quiet place to be on your own for 20 minutes or so. The internet has many tutorials to aid in relaxation and stress relief, which can sometimes aggravate RLS further.

Joint meditation with another person can help if you have a partner who is unable to entertain themselves for more than 5 minutes at a time. Teach them your techniques and enjoy the part of the day when you are just together.

A warm beverage to wind down

Having already mentioned chamomile tea, I may seem like I am repeating myself. As a matter of fact, I am not. There are many malted drinks available on the market that help mind down your metabolism at the end of a day.

I hope some of these hints and tips help. I will be trying more in the course of my advocacy. I will report further if any turn out to help.

Have you found ways to calm your legs at night? Tell us more in the comments below!