What lifestyle modifications should I advise to patients experiencing mild symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?

For patients experiencing mild symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), advise the following lifestyle modifications:

• Good sleep hygiene: Encourage maintaining regular sleep patterns and a comfortable sleep environment to improve sleep quality.
• Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption: Advise limiting intake of caffeine and alcohol as these can exacerbate symptoms.
• Stop smoking: If relevant, support smoking cessation to potentially reduce symptom severity.
• Moderate regular exercise: Recommend engaging in moderate physical activity regularly, avoiding excessive or strenuous exercise close to bedtime.
• Manage episodes of RLS: Suggest walking, stretching the affected limbs, massaging, applying heat (such as heat pads or hot baths), and relaxation exercises to relieve symptoms during episodes.
• Mental distraction: Encourage mental alertness activities during rest periods, such as reading or playing games, to help distract from symptoms.
• Address underlying causes: Investigate and treat any underlying conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, especially if serum ferritin is below 50–75 micrograms/L, as iron supplementation may improve symptoms.

For mild symptoms, explanation, reassurance, and these self-help measures are often sufficient without the need for drug treatment.

Providing patient information leaflets about RLS can also support understanding and self-management.

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