Skip to content
WebMD: Better Information. Better Health.
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Videos

Sleep Disorders Health Center

Select a topic to explore more.
Select An Article
Font Size
A
A
A

Sleep Disorders: 10 Tips to Ease Restless Legs Syndrome

In many cases, personal habits can make a sleeping disorder like restless legs syndrome worse. Sometimes they are the main cause of the problem.

Here are 10 steps you can take to lessen the symptoms of RLS and get you sleeping better.

 

  • Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine all together or at least for several hours before bedtime.
  • Take medications (prescription and nonprescription) only as directed by your doctor.
  • Exercise every day.
  • Stretch your legs at the beginning and end of each day.
  • Massage your legs regularly.
  • Avoid eating a heavy meal close to bedtime.
  • Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
  • Avoid daytime naps.
  • Use your bed only for sleeping or sex.
  • Try not to use bedtime as worry time.

Reviewed by The Sleep Medicine Center at The Cleveland Clinic.

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic

Edited by Leonard J. Sonne, MD on January 01, 2007
Next Article:
webMD Video

Show or hide information about video: Melatonin: How It Affects Sleep   Melatonin: How It Affects Sleep

48x48_breus_melatonin.jpg

Learn how the natural hormone melatonin affects sleep.

Watch Video: Melatonin: How It Affects Sleep (opens in a new window)

Show or hide information about video: How Sleep Affects My Memory   How Sleep Affects My Memory

Show or hide information about video: Sleeping Pills: When to Take Them   Sleeping Pills: When to Take Them

Show or hide information about video: Child Sleep Disorders   Child Sleep Disorders

Show or hide information about video: How to Improve Your Quality of Sleep   How to Improve Your Quality of Sleep