Dear Dream Doctor,

Has your extensive, specialized research resulted in any innovative treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)? All of the current, professionally recommended procedures are sadly disappointing and millions of sufferers are waiting for an answer. What has been your best shot?

—Morris, Age 60, Oceanside, CA, USA

Hi Morris—

You are absolutely right. Millions of sufferers are waiting for an answer.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, 25% of adults report Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) feelings in their legs (crawly or tingling sensations) a few nights a month or more; 15% a few nights a week or more; and 8% every night or almost every night. Of those who report these symptoms, 50% say their leg pain prevents them from getting a good night’s sleep.

Tips for treatment of RLS are as varied as they often are contradictory. Sufferers of RLS frequently recommend (just before bedtime):

• hot baths
• cold baths
• vigorous exercise
• stretching the leg muscles—calves especially
• regular exercise (daytime)
• massage
• tall socks to keep the calves warm
• the elimination of caffeine from your diet
• ibuprofin, aspirin and
• vitamin and mineral supplements—especially iron

If you haven’t tried all of these yet, you will want to integrate them into your current routine and let us know if anything works. Also, if you have any tips of your own, please pass them along. For the record, though, some people swear by the hot baths and the vitamin and mineral supplements.

For more information—including prescription medications for RLS—visit the Restless Legs Foundation’s website located at www.rls.org.