The Natural Sleep Aid Blog

Do you experience a tingling, burning, or twitching sensation in your legs and feet when you go to sleep? If so you may be suffering from a common condition called Restless Leg Syndrome otherwise known as (RLS). Some people say it feels like pins and needles or bugs crawling inside their lower limbs creating the need for constant movement. RLS can be very painful or just plain irritating preventing you from getting adequate rest each night. It usually begins to set in when you haven’t had movement for an elongated period of time such as sitting or lying down. Generally you can get relief if you stand up and move around or stretch. In any case movement helps to lessen the intensity.

Restless Leg Syndrome can develop at any age and interfere with sleep by causing the constant need for movement to help ease the tingling, burning, or aching feeling. Some researchers say that it may be hereditary and that it may be developed at birth while others believe it can be caused by an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine which helps to control muscle movement. Stress has also been linked to this syndrome and often women that are pregnant are affected by it during pregnancy due to hormonal changes in the body.

In general, RLS is not a serious health threat but it has been linked to other health issues such as kidney failure, iron deficiency, diabetes, or alcoholism. If you have RLS it doesn’t necessarily mean you have these health issues but it is wise to seek medical attention to rule out any other possible health risks.

If RLS is something that you suffer from and you are having a difficult time falling asleep at night there are some easy solutions to relieving the problem or perhaps keeping it at bay. If you are ill from one of the medical conditions mentioned above and you are seeking medical attention, you may find that your symptoms of RLS improve when you treat the condition. If that is not the case, making some simple lifestyle adjustments can make a world of difference for a good nights sleep.

Getting regular exercise during the day may help to relieve the tingling at night and help with proper circulation in your limbs. Be careful that you don’t engage in intense exercise in the evening as this could make your condition worse. Some people have found that cutting back or completely eliminating things such as caffeine, alcohol, and even tobacco can ease the symptoms of RLS all together. These substances have been known to trigger the tingling, aching, twitching, and burning sensations that literally make you want to crawl out of your skin. Soaking in a warm bath at night or getting massages on a regular basis can help tremendously because they help with blood flow and to relax the muscles in your limbs. Another way to try and minimize the sensations is to try a natural sleep aid to help calm stress and tension in the body. You may find that taking it a couple hours before bed will reduce the need for constant movement in the legs and feet.

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