Rest is important – most of us know that. But what if you simply cannot sit still? Often described as a tingling feeling in the legs when sitting or lying down, Restless Leg Syndrome can trigger an intense urge to move – which can be a real roadblock for getting good quality rest and rejuvenation.
With an estimated 10% of Americans affected, Restless Leg Syndrome is more common than you think. Let’s take a look at how sleep, mental health and nutrition can impact the severity of symptoms associated with Restless Leg Syndrome.
Restless Legs Syndrome Overview
Known by many names, including idiopathic RLS and Willis-Ekbom Disease, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a condition that affects a wide population of individuals regardless of age, sex, medical history and health profile. As the name suggests, RLS has a pretty simple – albeit frustrating – symptom: a strong urge to move one’s legs when sitting still. Tingling and/or general discomfort felt throughout the legs are both typical, and these symptoms generally stop as soon as one stands up or moves around.
Classified as a neurological disorder, RLS has both sleep and movement components that can interfere with rest, sleep, self-care, mental health, and quality of life. With no traditional cure available, it’s important to explore how sleep, mental health and nutrition may impact RLS in order to find better relief.
Sleep and RLS
By provoking movement and causing muscle tension, RLS can make it much more difficult to fall asleep. But here’s the kicker (no pun intended) – poor sleep schedules and/or sleep deprivation can cause worsening of symptoms, thus making it even more difficult for a person to sit still, ease into sleep, and get the rest needed to keep systems running and cognitive functioning sharp. The bottom line: committing to a regular sleep schedule and natural circadian rhythm is imperative to avoid a slippery slope of worsening RLS symptoms.
Mental Health and RLS
Brain chemistry plays a role in experiencing and managing RLS. After all, Restless Leg Syndrome is classified as a neurological disorder. It is believed that disruptions to dopamine – a hormone that assists with muscle activity and movement – may influence RLS symptoms. Herbal nutrients that support dopamine production, such as passionflower extract, may help rebalance brain chemistry and restore adequate dopamine levels to reduce RLS-related disruptions to sleep.
Furthermore, mental health challenges like anxiety and depression may intensify the symptoms of RLS and pose additional pressures that can make falling asleep more difficult. Mindful breathing and relaxation exercises are great options to try. Practicing these coping mechanisms may help a person relieve muscular tension, still the mind, and ultimately fall asleep faster – before RLS symptoms kick in and prevent sleep.
Nutrition and RLS
Recent research has shown that people who suffer from RLS often have lower levels of magnesium and vitamin B6 intake than those without symptoms. This suggests the possibility of a nutrient deficiency that may cause or intensify the symptoms of this exhausting condition. Increasing magnesium and vitamin B6 via diet changes and/or supplements may provide promising therapeutic effects for those with Restless Leg Syndrome.
By creating healthy sleep patterns and harnessing the power of nutrition and mindfulness, it’s possible to find some relief from RLS symptoms.
