Restless Leg Syndrom Archives - Rodeo of the Mind

It’s 2:00 AM. You aren’t sleeping. Why? Because your legs are driving you nuts!

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is so frustrating. What causes it? What stops it…can it be stopped? What the heck can I do about this? If you find yourself thinking things along this line in the middle of the night, you have my sympathy. RLS sucks – really, it does.

I read an interesting article on Mattress Advisor. I learned a few things. Here are a couple of interesting facts:

There are three things that need to be considered when trying to deal with RLS. Start with the first one & work your way down. You will most likely need help from your primary care physician, but it’s worth the effort.

Underlying Conditions – Do you have underlying conditions that can cause RLS?
Lifestyle Changes – Do you need to make some lifestyle changes to alleviate RLS?
Medication – If the first two don’t apply, maybe your doctor needs to prescribe medication.

Restless Leg Syndrome 5% – 10% of adults and 2% – 4% of children. The article by Andrea Pisani Babich, said that

“Researchers still can’t say for sure what causes RLS, but they have discovered evidence linking it to a few different factors, including genetics, pregnancy, iron abnormalities, and kidney abnormalities. They have also linked RLS with other conditions such as ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord, and neurological abnormalities, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sleep Apnea.”
– How to Sleep with Restless Leg Syndrome

I find it interesting that there are so many possible causes of RLS. The article covers a number of treatment possibilities. It provides hope that there are solutions, and we don’t have to give up our sleep and live with RLS. We may be able to do something about it!

Read the full article here: How to Sleep with Restless Leg Syndrome

What is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which you have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually due to leg discomfort. It typically happens in the evenings or nights while you’re sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily. (source: MayoClinic.org)

What can I do about my RLS?

Essential Oils can be used to ease the frustration experienced with RLS. Try the Restless Leg Blend displayed below:

Restless Leg Essential Oil Blend

Blend 2 – 5 drops each of the the following oils:
Basil
Lavender
German Chamomile (blue)
Cedarwood

Massage blended oils on lower legs and feet prior to going to bed.

Update 10/19/2020:

While we are on the subject of RLS, I want to share an article about pain & sleep. The author, Jennifer Walker-Journey, presents a very thorough article on the many conditions that cause pain and keep us from getting the rest that we really need. Included, is a section on RLS. I recommend this article to RLS sufferers.

You can read the article on The Mattress Nerd site.

Pain and Sleep

by Jennifer Walker-Journey

If you are losing sleep due to a painful condition, you could be making your condition worse with each night that passes. In this guide, you’ll learn more about how pain & sleep are connected and find a way to get a good night’s sleep once and for all. (read more)

Excerpt: RLS and Sleep

RLS is most often classified as a neurological sensory disorder. But it is also considered a movement disorder because symptoms are relieved by moving the legs, as well as a sleep disorder since symptoms are generally worse at and can disrupt sleep.

About 7-10% of U.S. adults have RLS, and about 80% of RLS sufferers also experience periodic limb movement of sleep, or PMLS, a condition in which a person involuntarily twitch or jerk their legs or arms every 15 to 40 seconds during sleep. For some people, these movements continue throughout the night. (Read Entire Article)

Disclaimer:

Statements concerning essential oils contained in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article and the products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

This article is a conversation concerning essential oils, diet options= and the author’s personal experiences.

Follow the general safety guidelines and discuss essential oil treatments with your healthcare provider prior to treating a specific disease or ailment.