How to (Actually) Stop Restless Legs Syndrome

Do you suffer from Restless Legs Syndrome? There is a LOT of different advice on the internet on how to treat it, so in this video I’ll breakdown some of the top tips that have ACTUALLY helped my patients, and go into a little bit of the science behind WHY they work.

Symptoms usually begin when your body is at rest, or when you’ve been sitting or laying down for a while— this is especially true at night, where symptoms also tend to worsen.
RLS sufferers will often keep their limbs in constant motion to either relieve or prevent these feelings— this is where the “restless” part of Restless Legs Syndrome gets its name.

RLS is not dangerous, BUT it could be a sign of an underlying health condition. More importantly, left untreated it can make sleep difficult. The unpleasant sensation of RLS and the subsequent movement can make getting a good night’s sleep very difficult.

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0:00 Do you Suffer from Restless Legs Syndrome?
0:20 What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
1:30 What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome
3:20 Are There Prescription Medicines for RLS?
5:00 Which Supplements Can Help with RLS?
6:35 Lifestyle Factors that Impact RLS
9:25 Exercises that Help RLS
10:30 Alternate Treatments for RLS

😴 Michael Breus, Ph.D., is a double board-certified clinical psychologist and sleep expert. He's been in practice since 1999 and helped thousands of patients improve their sleep. Dr. Breus has written five books on sleep and conducted over 1,000 interviews to the press and public.

[TheSleepDoctor]

What have you used to help with RLS? I'd really like to know!

[pjtfd]

Lifelong sufferer. Seriously. From age 5 or 6 to my current age 62. I’ve tried nearly everything you mentioned!! Including the donts. With the exception of the usual targeted prescription drugs. A combination of trazadone and low dose naltrexone has been working pretty good. They don’t work separately as well. Rarely do I have to resort to a Xanax. I usually keep those handy for long car rides, since that is harder to do than sleeping. Hot shower, weighted blankie, topicals like icy hot or ben gay. Never tried CBD with THC. No THC stuff didn’t work. I get RLS during day at work. That sucks.

[kindred]

You know what also helps is L-Tryptophan and skullcap... YES, aromatherapy with lavender MINDY
I also massage my legs and put a relaxing oil....

[hojo]

Stretching works for me, particularly my lower back with Cobra and Child poses. Also mild exercise, I do squats to fatique my legs. I think B-Complex and copper may have also helped. Alcohol makes it worse.

[jed]

Epson salt bath works great for RLS and fibromyalgia. Yoga and stretching the legs help.

[caroltittle]

I ride my stationary bike for two minutes. It works every time for me.

[geoman]

I have good results with Hylands Restless Legs homeopthic remedies - especially the PM solution Also massage helps as well.

[MissBabalu]

I normally live in the West with low humidity but right now I'm in Houston and the very high humidity is making my skin crawl. It's so frustrating. An endless mystery. I'm wrapped in heavy air.

[ButtercupCreationz]

It may not be dangerous but the sleep I’m missing is dangerous to my health.

[angeleahmacdonnell]

You need to add to your list that RLS is also a symptom of Kidney Disease.

[aussiechickenman]

Can you do a segment on Periodic Limb Movement Disorder?
Because of PLMD, my Deep sleep is minimal ( average 30min/night )
What results have you seen patients achieve in improving deep sleep and reducing/fixing their PLMD?

[adriankelly]

I have found putting a bar of soap in the bed helps.

[jed]

If I’m overly tired or drink alcohol I get restless legs

[stephcats]

When I have RLS it almost always comes with itching. I get up and rub Jergen's all over my legs and my buttocks up to and including my waist in the back, and that takes care of it.