1. Restless Legs Syndrome Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) Quiz!
3. Weird Body Quirks Slideshow

Medical Author:

Juan Latorre, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In many cases, personal habits can make a sleeping disorder worse. Sometimes they are the main cause of the problem. Here are some things a person with RLS can do that may relieve symptoms.

• Avoid or limit alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for several hours before bedtime.
• Take medications (prescription and nonprescription) only as directed.
• Get some exercise every day.
• Avoid eating a heavy meal close to bedtime.
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
• Avoid daytime naps.
• Use the bed only for sleeping or sex.
• Try not to use bedtime as worry time.

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