How long does rls last

Working out late in the evening may also be unhelpful. In , a small study of 10 people found that magnesium reduced the symptoms of insomnia in people with RLS, and suggested that may be a useful treatment for people with PLMD.

However, the study considers magnesium investigational. People with kidney disease should be cautious with intake of magnesium. Magnesium is available in whole grains, nuts, and green leafy vegetables. Some people find that spraying magnesium oil onto the affected part can help, but this should not be used without first asking a doctor. Studies into the effects of vitamin D on RLS have produced mixed results.

Some link high Vitamin D with fewer symptoms, while others suggest that additional vitamin D is linked to a higher incidence during the summer months.

Staying hydrated may also help. This can be achieved by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Periodic limb movement disorder PLMD is characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements of the limbs during sleep, and is the only condition…. A new study finds that the common sleep disturbance raises the risk of cardiovascular-related mortality, particularly among elderly women.

Polyneuropathy is damage to multiple nerves outside of the brain and central nervous system. This can cause pain, discomfort, and mobility…. Peripheral neuropathy is most common among people with diabetes, causing impairment in the peripheral nervous system Find out here about other medical…. Everything you need to know about restless legs syndrome. Symptoms Pregnancy Treatment Types Home remedies We include products we think are useful for our readers. Share on Pinterest RLS is classified as a sleep disorder.

Share on Pinterest Warm baths are a simple home remedy that can help relieve symptoms. Home remedies. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. What is periodic limb movement disorder? In many cases, RLS can be alleviated by moving the legs, standing, or walking. Stress seems to worsen RLS in some people, so any stress relief that can be instituted e.

Since caffeine can cause or worsen RLS, patients are advised to halt all caffeine intake to see whether total avoidance proves helpful. There are no nonprescription products or supplements that can help with RLS, but prescription medications dopaminergic agents may provide relief.

You should closely follow all directions given by your physician and pharmacist. Some of the most commonly used drugs may cause you to fall asleep suddenly and without warning, even while driving or performing other activities of daily living.

Watch closely for this problem. It may be wise to have another person drive you during the first few weeks of using the new medication. Avoid alcohol as well while taking it. Restless legs syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed November 25, Restless legs syndrome. Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation revised consensus statement on the management of restless legs syndrome. Mayo Clin Proc. Willis-Ekbom disease: causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation. Mirapex pramipexole dihydrochloride package insert. Requip ropinirole tablets package insert. Using the Neupro Patch. UCB, Inc. Featured Issue Featured Supplements. US Pharm. Manifestations of RLS Symptoms of RLS most often occur in the lower legs, above the ankle but below the knee; some patients experience RLS in the upper leg, although this is far less common.

Treatment of RLS Relief of RLS can be attained by moving the legs when lying down, but if the patient has not yet gone to bed, pacing or walking may help. Medical Treatment There are no nonprescription products or supplements that can help with RLS, but prescription medications dopaminergic agents may provide relief.

Remember, if you have questions, Consult Your Pharmacist. To comment on this article, contact rdavidson uspharmacist. Related CE. View More CE. Related Content. Take Quiz. Ovarian Cancer. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Blood tests, particularly for iron deficiency, may be ordered to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. In addition, your doctor may refer you to a sleep specialist.

This may involve an overnight stay at a sleep clinic, where doctors can study your sleep if another sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected. However, a diagnosis of RLS usually doesn't require a sleep study.

Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your restless legs syndrome-related health concerns Start Here. Sometimes, treating an underlying condition, such as iron deficiency, greatly relieves symptoms of RLS.

Correcting an iron deficiency may involve receiving iron supplementation orally or intravenously. However, take iron supplements only with medical supervision and after your doctor has checked your blood-iron level. If you have RLS without an associated condition, treatment focuses on lifestyle changes.

If those aren't effective, your doctor might prescribe medications. Several prescription medications, most of which were developed to treat other diseases, are available to reduce the restlessness in your legs. These include:. Medications that increase dopamine in the brain. These medications affect levels of the chemical messenger dopamine in your brain.

Short-term side effects of these medications are usually mild and include nausea, lightheadedness and fatigue. However, they can also cause impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling, and daytime sleepiness.

It may take several trials for you and your doctor to find the right medication or combination of medications that work best for you. Sometimes dopamine medications that have worked for a while to relieve your RLS become ineffective, or you notice your symptoms returning earlier in the day or involving your arms. This is called augmentation.

Your doctor may substitute another medication to combat the problem. Most drugs prescribed to treat RLS aren't recommended during pregnancy. Instead, your doctor may recommend self-care techniques to relieve symptoms. However, if the sensations are particularly bothersome during your last trimester, your doctor may approve the use of certain drugs.

Some medications may worsen symptoms of RLS. These include some antidepressants, some antipsychotic medications, some anti-nausea drugs, and some cold and allergy medications.

Your doctor may recommend that you avoid these drugs, if possible. However, if you need to take these medications, talk to your doctor about adding drugs to help manage your RLS.