(Hint; It’s sex.)
Restless Leg Syndrome is on the rise. The National Institute of Health finds that about 11% of all Americans face this frustrating issue from time to time. A little under 5% of all Americans are currently dealing with it every night. If effects twice as many woman as men and its likelihood seems to increase based on how many children a woman has had.
Unfortunately, the prescription medications often prescribed by doctors are associated with horrific side effects that cause patients to quickly discontinue treatment with the meds. The most common RLS medications are dopamine antagonists… drugs that basically dumb down your entire nervous system… including your brain. It’s like turning down the volume on a radio… everything in the brain gets quiet.
Luckily, in many cases, RLS is caused by a simple iron deficiency and associated with a low grade case of anemia. This can be quickly solved by talking to your doctor (or other healthcare provider more knowledgeable in nutrition) about taking a high quality iron supplement. In many cases, this anemia is caused by menstrual issues such as frequent or heavy periods. If this is the case, talk to your doctor, herbalist or acupuncturist about solving this issue as well.
RLS relief is also commonly found in taking other nutritive supplements. Often a calcium, potassium, magnesium or manganese boost does the trick. So talk to a knowledgeable practitioner about your supplement options for long term relief.
And make sure you buy a good brand of vitamins; most stuff available in the big box stores and grocery stores are garbage. L The product’s ability to be assimilated by our body is important. For example, if you take a vitamin with “iron oxide” as its ingredient, virtually none of it will be absorbed by the body. Zero. It’s like sucking on a rusty nail… virtually useless since your body cannot absorb that chemical form of iron. All of the other minerals have a similar issue. Typically, the cheaper vitamin supplements on the market are made of these cheap crap ingredients. It’s an unconscionable scandal, actually. So, again, talk to a knowledgeable practitioner or clerk. They will steer you in the right direction.
There are also many fantastic Chinese herbs proven to be effective for eliminating RLS forever. Chinese herbs correct the underlying issues that are causing the RLS once your malnutrition is addressed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the purpose of herbal medicine is to address and correct the underlying CAUSE of the symptom rather than just relieve or suppress or cover up the symptom or complaint. Check with your herbalist for the proper herbal formula for you (i.e. since every body is different, your herbal prescription will be more effective if its formulated and chosen based on you and your unique situation. One size does not fit all.).
But in the meantime, if you are dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome and are looking for quick relief tonight, then do this; have sex tonight.
Sex (with another person, preferably) has long been hailed as the “greatest medicine known to man”. That is not an exaggeration. Sex triggers a cacophonous dump of valuable neurotransmitters throughout your entire nervous system and body… dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, enkephalins, etc. Leading to a thorough calming of those fidgety leg nerves… leading to a quiet night sleep.
So have sex. It may relieve your Restless Legs and give you a great night sleep. Several studies show that it is far more effective than any other prescription remedy.
Give it a try tonight. What do you have to loose. The intimacy and bond building sure won’t hurt a marriage.* It also has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, improve insomnia, boost heart health, boost your immune system and even put some zip in your step the next day.
Sex is fantastic medicine so you should be sure to incorporate it into your healthy lifestyle maybe even starting tonight.