Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition where a person feels an irresistible compulsion to move, and involves uncomfortable sensations in the arms and legs while sitting still or lying down. This discomfort often occurs when you are trying to sleep and is usually relieved by moving your legs. Often, the discomfort is characterized as an “urge” to move the legs. 

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of RLS is unpleasant sensations in the legs, which have been described as creeping, crawling, burning, or tingling feelings. These sensations typically get worse when you are sitting or lying down, particularly when you are trying to sleep. It can prevent or interrupt sleep, leading to insomnia. Symptoms usually improve when the person stands up or moves his or her legs. Most people with RLS also have a condition called periodic limb disorder, which causes their arms and legs to involuntarily twitch or kick during sleep.

Herbal Help: 

Nerve-toning and muscle-relaxing plants. First, the nerve toners: Milky oats (Avena sativa), gotu kola (Centella asiatica), and ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) have long been used for nervous deficiency. By various mechanisms, these herbs may all improve nerve tone and adrenal and central nervous system control of muscle tone and reduce the restless leg condition over time. (Day Use) 

Muscle-relaxing herbs taken before bed may improve the quality of your sleep. Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and kava (Piper methysticum) are all muscle-relaxing and sleep-enhancing herbs. Take one or more of these at night before bed—perhaps a dose an hour before bed and a dose at bedtime. If you don’t notice anything upon the first night of use, double or even triple the dose on the following evenings, as these should work right away. These muscle relaxants, although fast-acting, may not correct the underlying problem in any lasting way (as may the previous suggestions) and will likely have to be used over and over again.