Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition affecting approximately 10% of the population (helpguide.org). People experiencing this syndrome will often describe a tingly, prickly and/or painful sensation in their legs that creates an overwhelming need to move. Most often the sensations occur in the calf, however they can be felt anywhere in one or both legs. It is not uncommon for symptoms to be worse at night and during periods of rest. As a result, many people experiencing RLS have difficulty falling asleep, or are jolted awake by the periodic jerking (also known as Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep or PLMS) thus significantly disturbing their quality of sleep (Restless Legs Syndrome is often linked with sleep apnoea).

Asana Recommendations
The asanas selected would target the major muscle groups of the legs, gently stretching and strengthening the muscles as well as increasing circulation.

- Calf stretches – in cat pose, alternately lengthening each leg back behind you, gently encouraging the heel to the floor to stretch out the calves.
- From a kneeling lunge position, gently lifting the back foot up and directing it back towards the buttocks. This stretches out the quadriceps muscles
- Then coming back into a cat position and rolling over the toes, gently coming into uttanasana (with the knees bent) to gently stretch out the hamstrings.
- From Uttanasana, bending the knees deeply and lower the tailbone back towards the floor to come into Malasana. This pose simultaneously stretches and strengthens the leg muscles.
- Finally, bring the hands to the floor and release into Child’s pose. A wonderful pose to calm both the body and the mind, whilst the weight of the upper body helps to stretch out the calves.

Written by: Rachael Freeland

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