Published on: 6/12/2025
What strategies can relieve restless legs during the night?
To relieve restless legs at night, try stretching, applying heat or cold, and consider lifestyle changes like reducing caffeine. If these don't help, consult a doctor for further options.
Explanation
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) can make it hard to sleep due to an uncomfortable feeling in the legs. Here are some strategies that might help:
Stretching and Massage: Gently stretching or massaging your legs before bed can help ease the discomfort.
Heat or Cold Packs: Applying heat or cold packs to your legs might provide relief. You can use a warm towel or a cold pack.
Lifestyle Changes:
- Reduce Caffeine and Alcohol: Cutting back on caffeine and alcohol might help lessen RLS symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular, moderate exercise can be beneficial, but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime.
- Good Sleep Habits: Keep a regular sleep schedule and create a comfortable sleeping environment.
If these strategies don't help, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider. They can check if other treatments might be needed, like medications. Remember, each person is different, so what works for one person might not work for another.
(References)
- Rios Romenets S, & Postuma RB. (2013). Treatment of restless legs syndrome. Current treatment options in neurology, 23703310.
- Gossard TR, Trotti LM, Videnovic A, & St Louis EK. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome: Contemporary Diagnosis and .... Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 33880737.
- Comella CL. (2014). Treatment of restless legs syndrome. Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 24363103.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about diseases
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.