How to Deal With Teenage Restless Leg Syndrome

Teens who wake up in the middle of the night with leg pain or uncontrollable movement may suffer from restless leg syndrome. The condition is hard to diagnose because it may be overlooked as the cause of the night time waking until it becomes severe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take your son or daughter to a doctor when presenting symptoms. A family doctor may suggest going to a sleep clinic or pediatric neurologist.
2. Promote drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water a day or other fluids to hydrate his body. Limit the amount of caffeine your child drinks during the day.
3. Massage your teenager's legs daily. The doctor may ask them to see a physical therapist. Leg exercises may also be assigned. Be sure your teen follows through with the exercise.
4. Establish a normal bedtime routine. Keep daytime naps to a minimum so your teen is tired enough to sleep the 9 to 10 hours he needs each night.
5. Suggest a warm bath before bed to help soothe tired muscles. Stretching legs in the morning may help relieve symptoms.

Tips & Warnings

• A teenager that's tired during the day could be suffering from restless leg syndrome at night.
• Ask your teen what feeling he has in his legs when he awakes in the middle of the night. If he describes a burning, itching, tingling or pain he may have restless leg syndrome.
• Find out if your teen feels urges to move his legs during the day. Restless leg syndrome can affect teens during the daytime as well.
• Don't allow your teen to drink caffeine 2 hours or less before bedtime.
• Don't let your teen eat a big meal right before bedtime.
• Make sure your teen doesn't do any strenuous exercising right before bedtime.