Last Reviewed:February 17, 2024 by Gabrielle Marks
Does Magnesium Help Restless Leg Syndrome?
A study published in Sleep, the Official Publication of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, suggests that magnesium therapy can help restless leg syndrome (RLS).
Jump Ahead
- Magnesium Therapy Treatment for RLS
- What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
- RLS Treatment Options
- Expert Opinion
- Resources
Magnesium Therapy Treatment for RLS
This study was a limited pilot study evaluating sleep patterns of a few patients suffering from RLS; however, seven of the ten patients evaluated showed marked improvement in sleep patterns with fewer wakings during the 6-week study. The promising results of the trial indicate that more extensive research should be done to study the pathophysiology of RLS and the use of magnesium therapy as a treatment for its symptoms. [1]
What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome is a lifelong condition for which there is no definitive cure. RLS affects an estimated 7-8% of Americans. [2] There is evidence that family history plays a role in RLS, especially where the onset of symptoms is before age 40. RLS may be under-diagnosed because patients do not seek treatment or misdiagnosed by physicians as nervousness, insomnia, or stress. [3]
RLS Treatment Options
Though there is no one definitive treatment for the symptoms of RLS, there are many effective options to explore. For mild cases of RLS, lifestyle changes are often suggested. Eliminating caffeine, stopping smoking, and increasing iron, folate, and magnesium intake may be suggested. For more severe cases, prescription medication may be offered. A trial of several therapy options may be required before finding what works best for the patient. [4]
Expert Opinion
Quote: “Some small studies indicate that the mineral magnesium, taken as magnesium citrate or magnesium lactate, may provide some benefit to people with leg cramps, including pregnant women.”
Source: Restless Leg Syndrome and Related Disorders University of Maryland Medical Center
Quote: “Preliminary studies suggest that supplemental magnesium may be helpful for RLS, even when magnesium levels are normal. An open study of 10 people with insomnia related to RLS or periodic leg movements in sleep found that their sleep improved significantly when they took magnesium nightly for 4 to 6 weeks. However, open studies are extremely unreliable because they do not factor out the placebo effect. Also, no double-blind studies on magnesium for RLS have been reported.”
Source: Restless Leg Syndrome Principal Proposed Natural Treatments Other Proposed Natural Treatments
Resources
- [1] Hornyak, M. “Magnesium therapy for periodic leg movements-relat...” Sleep. 1998, Aug 1., Vol. 21, No. 5, Pages: 501-505
- [2] Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation – “Symptoms & Diagnosis.”
- [3] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) – “Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet.”2019. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/restless_legs/detail_restless_legs.htm.
- [4] Mayo Clinic – “Restless Leg Syndrome Diagnosis & Treatment.”
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