Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological disorder that affects millions of Americans each year. People who suffer from RLS often have aches, pains, or sensations in the legs when a person is lying down for bed or sitting. With restless leg syndrome, your legs feel like exercising even though the rest of your body and mind are ready for sleep. Because this happens more often at night or while lying down, RLS can cause you to have trouble falling or staying asleep, which can in turn decrease quality of life. The following home remedies are designed to help you combat this problem. If you find that you still have twitching legs after you've tried these tips, however, it's time to get a medical evaluation.

1) Get up and walk.
Walking around may be the only thing that helps. A midnight stroll through the house may calm your legs enough to keep them still when you go back to bed.

2) Check out your caffeine consumption.
Coffee, tea, chocolate, sodas, and even over-the-counter (OTC) medications may contain caffeine. Try cutting your consumption of caffeine-containing foods and medications (or substituting decaffeinated varieties) to see if your condition improves. Avoid tobacco, which contains the stimulant nicotine, and alcohol, which can have its own detrimental effects on sleep, as well.

Restless legs syndrome

3) Modify your medication.
Some OTC medications, such as certain cold medications and allergy pills, contain mild stimulants that can result in jittery legs. Ask your pharmacist if any medications you are taking contain stimulants and whether there are any nonstimulating alternatives.

4) Take a bath.
A warm bath or massage before bed relaxes muscles and therefore may be helpful.

5) Change your temperature.
Sometimes, a change from hot to cold, or cold to hot, can do the trick. Try putting a heating pad or hot pack on your legs for a short while. If that doesn't work, drape a cool towel over your legs, or dip your feet in cool water.

6) Make sure you're eating well.
There are some indications that a deficiency in iron, folate, or magnesium may contribute to restless legs syndrome. By eating a wide variety of nutrient-rich foods, you should get the vitamins and minerals you need. However, your doctor may recommend supplements of these specific nutrients.

7) Make a bedtime habit.
Get into a regular routine that will help your mind and body settle down and prepare for bed.

8) Stick to a schedule.
Getting to bed at about the same time each night and allowing for a full night's sleep may help avoid the fatigue that could be a contributing factor to restless legs syndrome.