Restless legs

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Moderate regular exercise (1)

• For symptomatic relief – walking, bicycling, soaking the affected limbs, and leg massage, including pneumatic compression (1)

NUTRITION

• In some cases nicotine, caffeine and alcohol increase the symptoms. If these substances increase symptoms of RLS recommend to avoid/minimize the intake (1, 2).

• Iron: Iron deficiency may cause restless legs syndrome. Start iron supplementation if ferritin is below 75mcg/l. Vitamin C increases iron absorption (2).

• Vitamin D: Significant association between vitamin D levels and restless legs syndrome. Normalize vitamin D levels if deficiency is present (3).

• Obesity: There is increased risk of restless legs syndrome among obese individuals (4)

SLEEP

• Reduced sleep may aggravate symptoms of RLS in many patients. Thus, improving sleep may possibly reduce symptoms of RLS (2).

OTHER

• Mental alerting activities, such as working on a computer or doing crossword puzzles, at times of rest or boredom (2).

• Stretching, warm baths before bedtime (1).