Restless Legs Syndrome (page 2 of 2)

Help for the Restless

Walk before bed. Don't do anything too aerobic, because that will keep you up. Just take a nice, quiet stroll around the block before you turn in.

Stretch. Doing leg stretches for five minutes or so right before you hop into bed will help settle your legs.

Warm your legs. Apply heat over your lower legs when you lie down. A microwavable heat pack stuffed with fragrant herbs is perfect. When it cools, you don't even have to get up. You can toss it under the bed, turn out the light, and head into dreamland.

Avoid antihistamines. Over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines will make restless legs worse. Avoid them under any circumstances.

Check iron and folate levels. Even when you take vitamins, some women develop an anemia that will cause leg cramps and restless legs. Your doctor can run a simple blood test that will reveal inadequate levels. If levels are low, she may prescribe an iron or B-complex supplement.

Beef up your diet. During pregnancy, eat a diet rich in red meat, eggs, and whole grains to maintain adequate iron and folate levels.

Stay out of smoky rooms. Studies show that pregnant women who are exposed to tobacco smoke have double the risk of restless legs.

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