Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) used to be rare, but today it is becoming quite common. In fact, it affects between 5%-10% of adults and 2%-4% of children in the U.S. – that’s huge! Keep in mind that that is what is reported, not everyone! RLS can either just be an annoyance or can cause serious deficits in sleep and lifestyle.
RLS is characterized by an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, and is usually accompanied by feelings of twitchiness, tingling, itching, aching or feeling hot. Mostly, the person can’t help moving. It typically worsens at night but can also occur during periods of prolonged rest or inactivity.
As with all articles and podcasts I author, I look to the causative factors. An important cause is dopamine dysfunction. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) in the brain that is responsible for reward, movement, mood, motivation, and cognition function. It is often called the “feel-good” chemical because it is responsible for pleasure, focus and goal setting. It is believed that one cause of RLS is dopamine effectiveness. There could be dysfunction at a signaling level, receptor site level, conversion of one chemical to another, etc. This can be caused by several factors.
RLS can be caused by mineral deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium, copper or manganese; fats, such as Omega 3 fatty acids, choline, saturated fats and cholesterol (yes, enough cholesterol in the tissues is vital!). Other necessary nutrients include B vitamins, vitamins C, D, and E, amino acids such as L-tyrosine, L-phenylalanine, L-methionine, glycine and taurine and all of those in proper ratios, from food sources, not chemicals, and consistently.
It can also be caused by certain health issues such as poor circulation, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases and pregnancy. Certain medications can accentuate or cause RLS such as antihistamines, antidepressants, statins (cholesterol meds), calcium channel blockers (for hypertension), and antipsychotics.
Lifestyle triggers include coffee, alcohol, sugar intake, processed foods, bad oils and fats (such as seed oils and hydrogenated oils), sleep deprivation and a sedentary lifestyle.
Several things can be helpful. A whole food mineral supplement or even just electrolytes at night can help. A diet that includes lots of pasture-raised, organic meats and vegetables to prevent nutrient deficiencies, regular walks, especially in the evening, gym workouts (moderate amounts – too much or too little could trigger RLS), hot or cold compresses or a hot bath at night, massage and acupuncture.
Acupuncture helps the digestive system (to get enough nutrients), improves circulation, calms an irritable nervous system, reduces inflammation, optimizes nervous system function, builds blood quality and is calming, enhancing sleep. Acupuncture also helps resolve issues necessitating the medications that can contribute to RLS.
You don’t have to suffer, and you can return to a restful night’s sleep!
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©2025 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
