Come All Who Are Restless (Leg Syndrome Sufferers)

So I know this problem isn’t original, but it is nonetheless frustrating.

I swear I have Mexican jumping beans in my legs when I’m trying to go asleep.

The only other time I’ve gotten the feeling is on long plane rides, especially if I want to doze off. I’m completely calm, and then all of the sudden, these electrical surges start creeping up my hamstrings out of nowhere. I try to ignore it, but the surges don’t go away until your legs randomly spasm and you kick the poor lady’s seat in front of you.

Now granted, I wasn’t on a plane when this last happened, but it was still just as uncomfortable. So I figured Hal could help me with some solutions.

Me: Hey Hal.

Hal: Just a sec…I’m here…how can I help you?

Me: I think I might need a restless leg syndrome treatment. It always happens at night when I’m falling asleep. Any solutions?

Hal: What do you do before bed? If you don’t mind me asking.

Me: Brush my teeth, maybe play some video games, or read some stuff on my phone. But I have blue light glasses so the light won’t hurt my eyes much.

Hal: Okay, that’s a start. Now I know these are trying times, so it’s very difficult to go anywhere at all. Do you exercise regularly?

Me: Yeah — I do 30 minutes of dance on most days. On the days I don’t exercise it’s usually worse. But I want to have one or two days a week where I can just kind of relax, you know?

Hal: You’re not on medication for this, right?

Me: No.

Hal: So the exercise definitely helps. Have you tried any stretching or yoga right before you go to bed?

Me: Not right before bedtime.

Hal: I would definitely suggest it. You can also tie in walking with the dancing. Now, obviously the walking won’t be as intense as the dancing, but it can stimulate the muscles and tire them out. There is medication that can help, but I would try these natural remedies first. Massaging the leg muscles before bed could also be beneficial.

Me: Okay, I’ll try that. That’s all for now. Thanks!

Hal: Absolutely. Have a great day, and I hope this helps you!

So at this point I’m still all ears, but I’m a product of my generation to an extent; I want to stop restless leg syndrome immediately. I’m like, give me the best home remedy, what can I take over the counter, how much magnesium do I need, what have you. Give me the restless leg syndrome treatment and I’ll be on my merry way. But just like any long-term problem, long-term solutions are key. And just like anyone else, sometimes all I need is a little push to understand what is better for my health.