Have you ever been lying in bed with the feeling that your legs wanted to do something other than relax?

Every once in a while my legs decide they’re not interested in snoozing with the rest of me, making it hard to get to sleep. I didn’t know there was a formal name for this condition (in fact, I wouldn’t have even called it a condition), but there is. It’s very aptly named Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and there’s even an RLS Foundation web site.

I found a few sales pitches claiming (with excessive use of exclamation marks) that they have the cure and for only $14.95, you can have it too. I wouldn’t put much stock in their claims, but if anyone wants to try them and let me know how it turned out, I’m all ears. If you break out in a nasty rash, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

You may be interested to hear that the FDA has approved a new drug to cure restless leg syndrome but it has some pretty unpleasant side effects.

If you’ve experienced mild RLS, you’re probably interested in non-medicinal solutions. The RLS FAQ recommends the following.

Self-directed activities that counteract your sensations of RLS appear to be very effective, although temporary, solutions to managing the disorder. You may find that walking, stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massaging your affected limb, applying hot or cold packs, using vibration, performing acupressure, and practicing relaxation techniques (such as biofeedback, meditation, or yoga) may help reduce or relieve your symptoms. You may also find that keeping your mind actively engaged through activities such as reading a gripping novel, performing intricate needlework, or playing video games helps during times that you must stay seated, such as when you are traveling.

Two more sites about RLS are wemove.org and NINDS (The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke). The second site suggests an iron deficiency may cause RLS in some patients.