Lifestyle and home remedies

Making simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate symptoms of RLS:

• Try baths and massages. Soaking in a warm bath and massaging your legs can relax your muscles.
• Apply warm or cool packs. Use of heat or cold, or alternating use of the two, may lessen your limb sensations.
• Establish good sleep hygiene. Fatigue tends to worsen symptoms of RLS, so it's important that you practice good sleep hygiene. Ideally, have a cool, quiet, comfortable sleeping environment; go to bed and rise at the same time daily; and get at least seven hours of sleep nightly.
• Exercise. Getting moderate, regular exercise may relieve symptoms of RLS, but overdoing it or working out too late in the day may intensify symptoms.
• Avoid caffeine. Sometimes cutting back on caffeine may help restless legs. Try to avoid caffeine-containing products, including chocolate, coffee, tea and soft drinks, for a few weeks to see if this helps.
• Consider using a foot wrap. A foot wrap specially designed for people with RLS puts pressure under your foot and may help relieve your symptoms.