How to Stop the Habit of Shaking Your Legs

The habit of moving your legs while sleeping or sitting on your hands can cause discomfort. If this leg-shaking habit is closely related to restless leg syndrome, it's important to address it immediately. Here are some recommendations for stopping this leg-shaking habit that are worth trying.

Changes in Sleep Patterns

The cause of the leg-shaking habit is likely due to poor sleep patterns. Everyone needs adequate rest or sleep, around 7-9 hours per day, to avoid health problems. Shorter sleep periods can contribute to this habit, so try these tips for shifting your sleep patterns below:

 

• Go to bed every night at the same time.
• The next morning you should wake up at the same time every day.
• Keep gadgets out of reach of you hours before bed.
• Keep the bedroom quiet, cool and with low lighting.
• Any physical activity can be stopped 2-3 hours before bedtime, including eating, so that there is enough time for the digestion process.

 

Leg Stretch

To naturally and effectively stop the habit of shaking your feet, try stretching and flexing your ankles before bed. Stretch your calf muscles in a structured manner, hopefully, little by little, the habit will stop.

Walking

When your legs can't stay still and start to sway or move, try stopping them by taking them for a short walk. If the habit of swaying your legs is indeed linked to restless legs syndrome, then this habit can be stopped by taking small walks every day.

Healthy Eating Patterns

Healthy diet tips aren't just for those looking to achieve their ideal weight. If your leg-shaking habit is bothersome and poses a risk of other health problems, try stopping it by eating healthier foods. Here are some tips for changing your eating habits:

• Consume culinary foods that contain high magnesium.
• Consume foods that contain vitamin B.
• Consume culinary dishes that contain high levels of iron.

Limiting Alcohol and Caffeine Intake

The habit of shuffling your feet may also be caused by daily alcohol and caffeine consumption. When consumed in large doses, caffeine and alcohol can also cause sleep disturbances because both substances are stimulants that support nerve and brain function. Limit your intake of these substances, or even better, avoid them altogether, to prevent other serious health conditions such as nervous system disorders and high blood pressure.

Soak in Warm Water

Frequent leg movement can be a potentially unhealthy habit, so be sure to try breaking it by soaking in a warm bath. This can help relax tense leg muscles. Soaking in warm water is also a safe way to improve blood circulation.

Cold or Warm Compress

This method is an alternative to soaking in warm water which is also conducive for those of you who want to eliminate the habit of moving your legs. A cold or warm compress is also a muscle relaxant that is usually closely related to restless legs syndrome.

Regular exercise

Adequate exercise intensity, with the right type, duration, and schedule, consistent throughout the day, is a worthwhile way to help your feet gradually recover from the habit of moving around. Regular exercise is highly recommended, but be aware of the risks of overdoing it and avoid overexerting yourself.

Consultation on the Use of Certain Medications

Some medications are known to cause side effects in users, including frequent and sudden leg shaking. Medications such as antipsychotics, cold medications, allergy medications, methamphetamine, and antidepressants are the ones to be most wary of. Consult your doctor about the side effects of these medications and discuss the possibility of changing medications or lowering the dosage if they are indeed causing the leg shaking.

We've covered how to stop the habit of shaking your legs in detail and hope this helps those of you struggling to manage it. If the suggested methods don't work, consider consulting a doctor.