According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, at least 12 million Americans suffer from restless legs syndrome, or RLS, a condition that strikes most severely at night and can lead to poor sleep and fatigue. Despite its prevalence, the causes and the cures are still unclear. However, some herbs and vitamins are believed to at least ease the symptoms.
Symptoms
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke describes RLS as a neurological disorder that causes twitching or burning sensations in the legs, usually between the knee and ankle. Another symptom of RLS is an uncontrollable urge to move, which tends to become stronger when you are sitting down or trying to sleep. For this reason, people with RLS often have trouble falling and staying asleep, and when they do, they tend to move around a lot in their sleep. As well as being more pronounced at night–when most people are relaxing–RLS symptoms can be triggered by long periods of sitting still, such as on car trips and flights. The condition can strike at any age, but most sufferers–especially those with the most severe symptoms–tend to be middle-aged or older.
Causes
While there are many theories on what causes RLS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke says that in most cases, it is a mystery. In about half of cases, there is a family history of the condition, and other factors may include low iron levels; chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, diabetes and Parkinson's disease; pregnancy; and certain medications, such as some antinausea, antiseizure and antipsychotic drugs and some cold and allergy medications. If you are experiencing any RLS symptoms, talk with your doctor about testing for these conditions. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, caffeine, alcohol and smoking can also bring about RLS or make the symptoms worse because they restrict the blood vessels and limit the supply of blood and oxygen to your legs.
Vitamins B and E
If your RLS is caused by an iron or vitamin B deficiency, the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation suggests talking to your doctor about taking an iron, vitamin B12 or folate supplement. According to Herbs2000.com, the B vitamin group–which includes folate–can alleviate tension in the muscle and nervous tissues and boost the performance of your nervous system. Meanwhile, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that can help manage the leg cramps many RLS sufferers experience. It also helps in the production of red blood cells and the breaking down of clots–both of which help to boost your circulation and, therefore, the supply of oxygen to your tissues and nerves.
Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium
Gale Maleskey, co-author of "Nature's Medicines," says a combined deficiency of these three minerals could play a part in RLS. This is because they all impact on muscle contraction and relaxation and help with nerve transmission. Herbs2000.com also suggests that magnesium can help you sleep if you take it at night. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
St John’s Wort
According to Herbs2000.com, a St John’s Wort supplement can benefit your nervous tissue and promote a good night’s sleep. The website Patient UK says this is because the herb contains chemicals that are believed to impact on some of the neurotransmitters in your brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, which are very closely linked with your body’s sleep cycle. However, there are a number of side effects to St John’s Wort–including dry mouth and dizziness–so you should only take after consulting with your doctor.
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