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Restless leg syndrome--yet another thing to lose sleep over
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Restless leg syndrome keeps legs jumpy all night
Most people have seen dogs who appear to be running in their sleep--lying on one side, whimpering, and shuffling their feet. "Probably dreaming of chasing rabbits", their amused human companions usually say. You have to wonder, if dogs observe humans with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), if they would make a similar judgment? "Probably chasing the kids", the average hound might think.
If only RLS was that simple to dismiss! For those unfamiliar with the sensation, it's best described as a feeling that your pantyhose are all twisted around and are trying to straighten themselves out, plus you're wearing Dorothy's ruby slippers and they're trying to take you back to Kansas. No matter how much you squirm, flip over, or even kick and scream, your legs won't want to settle down. Too bad you can't enter a dance marathon overnight--you'd probably win and still keep on boogying till dawn.
Among the likely causes (there's still debate on this) are caffeine--the usual culprit of choice--as well as other popular stimulants, many of which can cause circulation problems, such as tobacco, and even too-tight shoes. For those who have diabetes and/or varicose veins, circulation in the legs is always an issue and it doesn't quit at the end of the day. Being on your feet for long periods, wearing high heels, even crossing the legs a lot, are all likely to cause problems with the muscles, nerves and blood vessels of the legs and feet.
To help with the problem of restless legs, try stretching before activities, especially at the start of the day, and again before bedtime, to unwind and relax them. Massage is also a good tactic, and you needn't go to a spa for this--even to try it at home with simple, gentle motion, you'll see the benefits. Elevating the legs if you lie on your back or placing a pillow between the knees and lying on your side is effective. Soaking your feet and legs in a bath of warm (not really hot) water is another good measure to get your legs in the mood for rest. Also you may wish to try relaxation tapes, or teas such as chamomile.
For other treatment, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and folate in your diet can help; try either supplements or foods containing these elements, such as spinach, Swiss chard, calf's liver, lentils, dairy products, soy, pumpkin, bran, halibut.
Getting a good night's rest in general will always help, although this problem can turn into a vicious circle. Tackling over-all stress can often be a key to treating any sleep disorder, which, in turn, will mean less stress to cause such problems in the first place.
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