stress

[Jenevewill]

can restless legs be brought on more by stress and anxiety? I feel like the more I stress and worry about it , the worse it is.

[SueJohnson]

Absolutely.

Here is my hurt/help list: some things that can make RLS symptoms worse for some people are alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, sugar, carbs, foods high in sodium, foods that cause inflammation, ice cream, eating late at night, estrogen including HRT, dehydration, MSG, collagen supplements, electrolyte imbalance, melatonin, eating late at night, stress and vigorous exercise.

Some things that help some people include caffeine, moderate exercise, weighted blankets, compression socks, elastic bandages, masturbation, magnesium glycinate, fennel, low oxalate diet, selenium, 5 minute shower alternating 20 seconds cold water with 10 seconds hot water finishing with hot water for another couple of minutes, hot baths, distractions, CBD, applying a topical magnesium lotion or spray, doing a magnesium salts soak, vitamins B1, B3, B6, B12, D3, K2, if deficient, and potassium and copper if deficient, massage including using a massage gun, vibration devices like therapulse, using a standing desk, listening to music, meditation and yoga. Keep a food diary to see if any food make your RLS worse

[ChrisColumbus]

Various sources say stress and anxiety exacerbate RLS.

While I've had some difficulty laying my hands on research into this, studies of sleep disorders in military veterans with PTSD have found a link with RLS.

For example, an Iranian study concluded:

"The severity of RLS was not associate with sleepiness, depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI), but with anxiety symptoms."

researchgate.net/publicatio...

[grassgree]

An emphatic yes from me. Stress is definitely a factor. A vicious circle begins when I'm anxious.