Stop restless legs syndrome from stealing sleep, from the May 2015 Harvard Men's Health Watch

People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) describe it as a tingling, aching, pulling, itching, cramping, or "creepy-crawly" feeling in the legs. No matter how it feels, restless legs syndrome can dramatically interfere with sleep, reports the May 2015 Harvard Men's Health Watch.

"People come in describing insomnia, but they don't put two and two together," says Dr. John Winkelman, an RLS specialist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. "You have to make that connection and then address the restless legs, and that helps people sleep better."

The sensations caused by RLS feel like they come from deep in the legs. They trigger an irresistible urge to move the legs. The symptoms typically start or get worse at night, and often disrupt sleep.

For men with infrequent or moderately bothersome symptoms, self-help efforts can reduce the symptoms of RLS and improve sleep. Dr. Winkelman suggests these strategies to his patients:

  • Don't drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, especially within several hours of bedtime.
  • Don't smoke or use other nicotine-based products.
  • Before going to bed, massage the leg muscles, do gentle stretches, take a warm bath, or apply heating pads.
  • Exercise every day, but not too close to bedtime.
  • Schedule activities that require prolonged sitting or reclining in the morning rather than the afternoon.

If these don't help, five FDA-approved medications are available for people with severe and frequent symptoms of RLS.

Read the full-length article: "When sleeplessness starts in the legs"

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.