All of these strategies I discovered on my own in a half-maniacal attempt to relieve my symptoms so I could just get to sleep. They can be employed individually or in any combination that works for you.

1. While you can take some hardcore drugs to mask symptoms, there are numerous other strategies that can be employed
first that will not have nasty potential side-effects or require a trip to the doctor. If you are pregnant, you most definitely
should try non-drug options. All of these strategies I discovered on my own in a half-maniacal attempt to relieve my
symptoms so I could just get to sleep. They can be employed individually or in any combination that works for you.
1. My most recent discovery that works wonders – any menthol cream or ointment. I have used Tiger Balm,
Vics Vapor Rub and IcyHot Pain Relieving Cream. I rub a generous amount of the menthol cream/ointment
on my legs and jump into bed. Relief is immediate and within minutes I am joyfully asleep – no counting
sheep required! The only downside of this method is that the menthol has a very strong smell that is long-
lasting and anything but romantic!
2. Leg lunges at bedtime. I would do about 30 lunges on each leg, alternating from one to the other. This
had the side benefit of adding some lovely tone to my thighs.
3. Hyland’s homeopathic Restful Legs remedy for RLS. Inexpensive, gentle and non-addictive, these little
tablets could work miracles by calming my jumpy legs within minutes. I have noticed however that over the
years this remedy has become less effective for me. I do give these tablets to my daughters when they get
jumpy legs at bedtime and they work beautifully.
4. Hot (as hot as you can tolerate) shower right before bed. Scrub legs vigorously with shower brush. Towel
dry and jump into bed.