We explore this question in our post today as well as knowing lots of people who suffer from restless leg syndrome its something we have first hand experience with. Lets make sure first we know what we are talking about:

What is Restless leg syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome is an overwhelming urge to move your legs.

It also cause's an unpleasant crawling or creeping feeling in the feet, calves or thighs.

The sensation can be worse in the evening or in the night. Sometimes, the arms can also be affected.

Restless legs syndrome is also linked with involuntary jerking of the legs, known as PLM.

Some people have the symptoms every day while others have the symptoms of restless legs syndrome occasionally.

The symptoms can be severe. In severe cases, restless leg syndrome can be distressing and effect your daily activities.

What are the causes of RLS?

There is no obvious cause for restless legs syndrome in most cases, but it can run in families.

Some specialists believe the symptoms of restless legs syndrome may have links with how we handle a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is involved in controlling muscle movement.

In some cases, restless legs syndrome can be caused by an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency or kidney failure. This is known as secondary restless legs syndrome.

There is a link between restless leg syndrome and pregnancy. Around 1 in 5 pregnant women will experience RLS in the last term of their pregnancy.

The Charity RLS (UK) say that "Magnesium oil Spray used on the legs can be beneficial" and we have also been looking into the science behind magnesium supporting restless legs. 

A study which led a trial of magnesium therapy indicates that magnesium treatment may be a useful alternative therapy in patients with mild or moderate RLS-or PLMS-related insomnia.

Another report from 2006 which followed a case of severe restless legs syndrome in pregnancy showed that RLS symptoms completely resolved during treatment with Magnesium, beginning the first day of administration.

In addition to magnesium, several natural and alternative treatments can offer relief from restless leg syndrome. These treatments include:

• sitting in a warm bath, which can relax muscles
• getting massages
• getting moderate exercise regularly, which can reduce symptoms of RLS
• avoiding caffeine, which can agitate RLS and decrease magnesium in the body
• utilizing relaxation techniques like meditation to lessen the stress that can aggravate RLS
• establishing a regular sleep routine

For more sleep tip see our Blog post on how to sleep better naturally.