Restless legs syndrome is a neurological disorder. Sufferers experience unpleasant feelings they describe as creeping, aching, pulling, burning, itching and tingling in the lower parts of their legs. Symptoms can also occur in the upper leg, feet or arms, but this is less common. If you have this condition, you may feel an overwhelming urge to move your legs and walk to stop the sensations, and movement actually does relieve some discomfort. There is no cure for restless legs syndrome, but supplements, herbs, medications and changes in behavior might lead to a temporary cessation of your symptoms.
Iron
Iron supplements can be helpful for people who have restless leg syndrome, because a shortage of iron in the blood may contribute to acquiring or becoming symptomatic with this condition. Deficits are determined by a blood test that measures levels of a protein called ferritin. Treatment with iron supplements has been shown to produce positive results. A February 2009 study was conducted at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington, to determine if people with restless leg syndrome and low-to-normal ferritin levels would benefit from taking oral iron supplements. The results showed significant improvement of symptoms in the people using oral iron supplements but not in the group who were given a placebo. Do not use medications or supplements before talking to your doctor.
Magnesium and Calcium
Restless leg syndrome is very uncomfortable and often disrupts sleep and makes it difficult to relax, but it is not dangerous or life-threatening, nor is it a sign of a more serious disorder. Magnesium, either on its own or with calcium, is used for treating restless leg syndrome. Magnesium might decrease the amount of movement and increase the amount of sleep in patients with restless leg syndrome, but -- because not all people with this condition have low levels of magnesium in their blood -- more research is needed to determine magnesium's effectiveness in treating restless leg syndrome. Talk to a health practitioner before taking supplements or medications.
Folic Acid and B Vitamins
Folic acid is used for reducing the discomfort and jumpiness in the legs of restless leg syndrome's sufferers. Taking folic acid seems to successfully reduce some of the syndrome's symptoms, and researchers are studying whether a deficiency in folic acid is a primary cause of restless leg syndrome. About one-third of people with restless legs syndrome have a family history of this condition, and, for these people, there seems to be a greater need for folic acid. In some cases, taking high doses of this nutrient has been helpful for sufferers. Check with your doctor before trying folic acid or other supplements.
Some people believe that treatment with B vitamins reduces the intensity, frequency and duration of their symptoms, especially at night. Research is needed to discover whether B vitamins can successfully treat restless leg syndrome and alleviate discomfort or if vitamin B treatment might increase problems for some people.
Valerian Root
Restless leg syndrome symptoms usually occur while you are lying down at night, and they can continue for an hour or longer. You may also feel this discomfort during the day if you have been sitting for a long time. Restless leg syndrome can result in insomnia, decreased sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, depression, anxiety, confusion or sluggish mental processing. Research was conducted on people with restless leg syndrome to compare the effectiveness of valerian with a placebo on quality of sleep and severity of symptoms. According to the March-April 2009 issue of the journal "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine," results of this study suggest that using valerian may improve symptoms of restless leg syndrome and may decrease daytime sleepiness in people. The conclusion drawn is that valerian may be one alternative treatment for symptom management of this condition and may result in positive health outcomes by improving sleep and quality of life. Always ask your medical practitioner before using any medication, taking supplements or trying alternative therapies.
5-HTP
5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a compound produced by the body from tryptophan that may be effective for dealing with sleep problems. People who have normal iron levels may find that using 5-HTP supplementation will provide some relief from symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Taking 5-HTP about 20 minutes before going to bed may significantly improve, or even eliminate, restless legs and involuntary muscle jerking, according to the website Holistic Online. Before using any medication, taking supplements or trying alternative therapies, consult your health practitioner.
References
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet; September 2010
- Sleep Medicine: Efficacy of Oral Iron in Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome and a Low-Normal Ferritin; James Wang, et al.; October 2009
- MedlinePlus; Magnesium; November 2010
- Holisticonline.com: Restless Legs Syndrome; Shila Mathew, M.D., and Jacob Mathew, Ph.D.
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Does Valerian Improve Sleepiness and Symptom Severity in People With Restless Legs Syndrome?; Norma Cuellar, DSN, RN; March-April 2009
