Do you have “restless legs”? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you might think that this is a simple, relatively harmless phenomenon; however, restless legs syndrome is a major destroyer of sleep and has even been connected with increased heart attack risk. Sufferers complain of an uncomfortable feeling in one or both legs, including itching, tingling, crawling or simple pain and they have an uncontrollable urge to move their legs.
 
Although a single cause for Restless Leg Syndrome has not been identified, it has been associated with other conditions, including pregnancy, obesity, neurological conditions, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies and kidney disease. Restless leg symptoms may disappear once the underlying condition is resolved, or as in pregnancy comes to an end.
        
In a small study at the University of Montreal, researchers monitored blood pressure and leg movements in patients with restless legs syndrome for one night. The patients’ blood pressure increased significantly with leg movement. When prolonged or repeated, such rises in blood pressure could contribute to heart damage or to higher rates of stroke in elderly people.
        
Environmental and other toxins, including alcohol, cigarette smoke, caffeine and drugs like antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, blood pressure medications and prescription antidepressants can also cause or worsen symptoms.
        
Any severe case of restless legs should be checked out by a health care practitioner. In mild cases, symptoms may be relieved with exercise, leg massage, hot baths and use of hot or cold packs. Some people find natural relief by supplementing with folic acid, magnesium, potassium, or with iron, as iron deficiency seems to contribute to restless leg symptoms. Eliminate caffeine from the diet, drink electrolyte-filled sports drinks and make some form of relaxation part of your daily routine.