Often referred to feeling as though you have twitches in your legs, the inability to keep your legs still, or experiencing an itch that you just can’t scratch.
The cause is not precisely known and individual cases can vary in their severity or duration. In severe cases people may not get any sleep at all which will obviously affect their ability to perform during the day.
RLS can be hereditary. It can also be related to an individual’s ability to process dopamine, a chemical in the body, which helps control muscle movement. In many cases it’s associated with a deficiency of iron or magnesium.
Lifestyle factors that don’t cause RLS but which may make symptoms worse include excessive smoking, drinking, caffeine, excessive stress, lack of exercise or being overweight.
So the first steps in addressing RLS are to stop smoking, get active during the day, avoid long periods of sitting, stretch your legs regularly, avoid caffeine and alcohol. Regulating your sleeping hours can also help. Some people find relief by avoiding dairy products and eating plenty of leafy green vegetables. Always stay hydrated.