Posts Tagged ‘home remedies for restless legs syndrome’
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a form of insomnia characterized by an urge to move one’s legs when they are at rest. This can be overwhelming, especially during sleep. It is often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs such as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling or pain. Because RLS most often occurs in the evening, it can disrupt sleep, contribute to insomnia, and reduce a person’s quality of life.
A recent study from the Yazd University of Medical Science in Iran has found that the mineral selenium provides improvement for restless leg syndrome symptoms.
The theory behind why selenium is effective in RLS is an interesting one. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, which is a chemical messenger that helps in the transmission of signals in the brain and other vital areas. The involvement of the dopamine system is considered by some to be the base reason for the development of RLS. Selenium has been shown to have healthful characteristics that promote the action of the dopamine pathways in the body.
The Iranian study of selenium for restless leg syndrome was a five month trial. The patients first took a placebo, and then took 50 micrograms (a microgram is one millionth of a gram), and then 200 micrograms of selenium.
The researchers concluded that selenium in the daily recommended dose of 50 micrograms reduces the occurrence of restless leg syndrome symptoms greatly. Due to the absence of side effects from selenium consumption, they recommend selenium for the improvement of RLS, and acknowledge it as an alternative to dopamine enhancing drugs.
Magnesium is also a helpful natural remedy for restless leg syndrome. In one study from the Romanian Journal of Neurology, researchers conducted biochemical and neurological tests in 10 cases of restless leg syndrome. They found agitated sleep with frequent periods of nocturnal awakenings and a decrease of the duration and percentage of the deeper rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – also found in other forms of insomnia caused by magnesium deficiency.
Another study from the Journal “Sleep” had similar results. The study was titled “Magnesium Therapy for Periodic Leg Movements (PLMS) – Related Insomnia and Restless Legs Syndrome: An Open Pilot Study”. Magnesium was administered orally in the evening over a period of 4-6 weeks. Following magnesium treatment, periodic leg movements associated with arousals decreased significantly. The researchers concluded: “Our study indicates that magnesium treatment may be a useful alternative therapy.”
One natural insomnia remedy showing good results with restless leg syndrome is Sleep Minerals II made by http://NutritionBreakthroughs.com. This remedy contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, as well as vitamin D and zinc. It is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly absorbable than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Kimberly B. of Troy, Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for 2 ½ years. I have also had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…gone for a month now.”
Many people suffer from restless leg syndrome and some sources have called it an incurable disease. Regular use of the right kind of mineral supplement just might provide the needed relief.
For more information visit the Sleep Minerals II page.
Restless Leg Syndrome Remedies — Magnesium and Exercise Prove Beneficial
Posted on: September 29, 2013
A recent issue of “Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise” published the results of a study on patients with periodic leg movements (PLM). PLM is a night-time problem similar to restless leg syndrome (RLS). It is repetitive cramping or jerking of the legs during sleep. Here are the results of the study, which was done at the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil:
PURPOSE:
Non-drug approaches may lead to an improvement in sleep quality. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effects of intensive (intense short-term) exercise and chronic (regular) exercise on sleep patterns in patients with periodic leg movements (PLM).
METHODS:
The study involved acute and chronic exercise. The acute intensive exercise group consisted of 22 volunteers who underwent testing and also a sleep study on the same night. The chronic exercise group included 11 patients who performed 72 physical training sessions. Blood samples were collected from the groups.
RESULTS:
The results showed that both forms of physical exercise lowered periodic leg moverment levels. The acute physical exercise increased sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement (deeper) sleep, and reduced waking after sleep onset, whereas the chronic physical exercise increased sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement sleep, and reduced the time needed to fall asleep. The researchers also found a significant correlation between the release of natural pain killers in the body after acute intensive exercise and the reduction of periodic leg movement symptoms.
CONCLUSION:
The researchers suggest that physical exercise may be a useful non drug-based treatment for periodic leg movements.
NEWS PROVIDED BY:
This health information is provided by Nutrition Breakthroughs, maker of the effective natural insomnia remedy Sleep Minerals II. Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, and menopause insomnia. The formula also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly assimilated than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
In one study from the Romanian Journal of Neurology, researchers conducted biochemical and neurological tests in ten cases of restless leg syndrome. The investigators reported important disorders of sleep organization. They found agitated sleep with frequent periods of nighttime awakenings and a decrease of the duration and percentage of the deeper rapid eye movement (REM) sleep – also found in other forms of insomnia caused by magnesium deficiency.
Kimberly B. of Troy, Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia for 2 1/2 years. I have also had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…gone for a month now.”
To learn more about the special forms of magnesium and calcium in Sleep Minerals II, click here.
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a form of insomnia characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs when they are at rest, especially during sleep. RLS affects about 10% of the people in the U.S. It runs in families and may have a genetic component. Recent research has found that people with restless leg syndrome are deficient in the mineral magnesium.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, almost six out of ten Americans report having insomnia and sleep problems at least a few nights a week. Other types of insomnia include sleep apnea, which involves interrupted breathing and snoring during the night; narcolepsy – which causes people to fall asleep throughout the daytime; insomnia from hormone fluctuations such as with menstruation or menopause; and insomnia from the use of medications, caffeine or alcohol.
Those who have restless leg syndrome experience unpleasant sensations in the legs described as creeping, crawling, tingling, pulling, or painful. These sensations usually occur in the calf area but may be felt anywhere from the thigh to the ankle. People with RLS often experience chronic insomnia and sleeplessness due to the strong urge to walk or do other activities to relieve the sensations in their legs.
In a research report from the Romanian Journal of Neurology titled “Studies in Restless Legs Syndrome Caused by Magnesium Deficiency,” investigators conducted chemical and neurological tests in 10 cases of restless leg syndrome. The researchers reported important disorders of sleep organization. They found agitated sleep with frequent periods of nighttime awakenings. Also observed was a decrease of the duration and percentage of the deeper rapid eye movement (REM) sleep — which is also found in other forms of insomnia caused by magnesium deficiency.
Another study from the Journal “Sleep” had similar results. The study was titled “Magnesium Therapy for Periodic Leg Movement – Related Insomnia and Restless Legs Syndrome: An Open Pilot Study”. Magnesium was administered orally in the evening over a period of 4-6 weeks. Following magnesium treatment, the leg movements associated with arousals decreased significantly. In this study, the researchers concluded: “Our study indicates that magnesium treatment may be a useful alternative therapy in patients with mild or moderate restless leg syndrome or periodic leg movement related insomnia.”
According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota, “Magnesium plays a key role in the body’s chemistry that regulates sleep. This may be why persons with long-term lack of sleep, or abnormal brain waves during deep sleep, often have low magnesium in their blood….Magnesium treatment increased deep sleep and improved brain waves during sleep in 12 elderly subjects. Magnesium treatment also decreased time to fall asleep and improved sleep quality of 11 alcoholic patients who often have a low magnesium status.”
Regarding the use of nutritional sleep remedies containing magnesium for relief of restless leg syndrome and other sleep problems, certain formulas are more effective than others. The combination of minerals included and the presence of co-factors in the product are key. Formulas should contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews and is made on the basis of long-term metabolic studies of men and women.
One insomnia remedy showing good results is Sleep Minerals II, made by Nutrition Breakthroughs in Glendale, CA. This natural sleep remedy contains highly absorbable forms of calcium and magnesium, the best minerals for sleeplessness and insomnia, as well as for heart health, restless legs syndrome, bone strength, and menopause insomnia. The formula also includes vitamin D and zinc and is delivered in a softgel form with healthy carrier oils, making it more quickly assimilated than tablets or capsules and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
Sleep Minerals II has had beneficial results with relieving restless leg syndrome. Anne B. of El Dorado Hills, California says: “We find the Sleep Minerals very helpful for my husbands restless leg syndrome. He does not do well on many medications and the drug that the doctor prescribed him for this condition was full of bad side effects. Out of pure desperation, I researched the Internet and found Sleep Minerals II. Bob is sleeping much better now and with very little, if any, movement in his legs.”
Kimberly B. of Troy Michigan says: “I have been taking Sleep Minerals II for about a month now. I have tried everything out there and this supplement is amazing. I have suffered with insomnia and restless legs for two and a half years. I’ve had restless leg syndrome my entire life and this is the first relief I’ve ever had…it’s gone for a month now.”
Many people suffer from restless leg syndrome and some sources have called it an incurable disease. Regular use of the right kind of mineral supplement just might provide the needed relief.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II click here
This helpful information on restless leg syndrome comes from the Editors of Consumer Guide:
It’s bad enough when you can’t get to sleep and you just lie there, staring at the ceiling. But people who suffer from restless legs syndrome don’t just lie there. They are seized by an uncontrollable urge to move their legs. Their legs actually twitch or jerk, while they experience the sensation of something squirming or wiggling under their skin. Consequently, restless legs syndrome can lead to problems associated with sleep deprivation, such as anxiety and depression.
Researchers say this is a condition still shrouded in much mystery. Although there seem to be connections with other conditions — such as heart, lung, and kidney disorders: circulatory problems; and arthritis — the culprit sometimes appears to be as simple as excessive caffeine consumption or too little exercise.
The following home remedies are designed to help you combat this problem. If you find that you still have twitching legs after you’ve tried these tips, however, it’s time to get a medical evaluation.
1. Get up and walk. Walking around may be the only thing that helps. A midnight stroll through the house may calm your legs enough to keep them still when you go back to bed.
2. Check out your caffeine consumption. Coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even over-the-counter (OTC) medications may contain caffeine. Try cutting your consumption of caffeine-containing foods and medications (or substituting decaffeinated varieties) to see if your condition improves. Avoid tobacco, which contains the stimulant nicotine, and alcohol, which can have its own detrimental effects on sleep, as well.
3. Modify your medication. Some OTC medications, such as certain cold medications and allergy pills, contain mild stimulants that can result in jittery legs. Ask your pharmacist if any medications you are taking contain stimulants and whether there are any nonstimulating alternatives.
4. Take a bath. A warm bath or massage before bed relaxes muscles and therefore may be helpful.
5. Change your temperature. Sometimes, a change from hot to cold, or cold to hot, can do the trick. Try putting a heating pad or hot pack on your legs for a short while. If that doesn’t work, drape a cool towel over your legs, or dip your feet in cool water.
6. Make sure you’re eating well. There are some indications that a deficiency in iron, folate, or magnesium may contribute to restless legs syndrome. By eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, you should get the vitamins and minerals you need. However, your doctor may recommend supplements of these specific nutrients.
7. Make a bedtime habit. Get into a regular routine that will help your mind and body settle down and prepare for bed.
8. Stick to a schedule. Getting to bed at about the same time each night and allowing for a full night’s sleep may help avoid the fatigue that could be a contributing factor to restless legs syndrome.
9. Soothe your stress. Stress may not be the cause of restless legs syndrome, but it can exacerbate it. Try to eliminate some of the stress in your life. Regular exercise and some form of relaxation or even an engaging in a hobby may help you “de-stress.”
10. Exercise your legs. Moderate exercise often helps, although excessive exercise can aggravate restless leg symptoms. A daily walk at a moderate pace is an excellent exercise, especially for folks who haven’t been very physically active in a while
11. Stretch your legs. Try stretching your calves, hamstrings (backs of the knees), and gluteal (butt) muscles before bed.
12. Wear socks to bed. Some experts have found that a lot of people who suffer from restless legs syndrome also seem to have cold feet. Although nobody has studied the connection, it might not hurt to bundle up your tootsies for the night.
……Additional comments from the blog author Nutrition Breakthroughs:
Studies have shown the mineral magnesium to be effective in helping to calm restless leg syndrome and insomnia. Supplements should contain a 2 to 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (twice as much calcium as magnesium). The original research on this recommended ratio appeared in 1935 in the Journal of Physiological Reviews.
In addition, a softgel form is more digestible than tablets or capsules. Softgels formulated with carrier oils have been shown to increase mineral absorption and improve bone strength.
One formula that has these qualities and is gaining in popularity with restless leg syndrome sufferers is Sleep Minerals II from http://www.NutritionBreakthroughs.com. Sleep Minerals II contains highly absorbable forms of the best minerals for relaxation — calcium and magnesium. The ingredients are delivered in a softgel form with carrier oils, making them more easily assimilated than capsules or tablets and providing a deeper, longer-lasting sleep.
For more information on Sleep Minerals II visit http://www.nutritionbreakthroughs.com/html/sleep_remedy_for_insomnia_help.html
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Credit: the Editors of Consumer Guide. “12 Home Remedies for Restless Legs Syndrome” 16 January 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-restless-legs-syndrome.htm 25 June 2012.
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