Relieving the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Once restless legs starts, I recommend you intervene early. Don’t lie there for hours battling with your legs.
Exercise
Exercise can at least help a bit with your restless legs. Walking around the room can help. Personally, I find more vigorous exercise helpful. I do squats. Three sets of ten squats seem to help. Squats are easy to do in the comfort of your own room.
Magnesium bath
Dissolving magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts) in a warm bath is a popular remedy. The warmth of the water combined with the magnesium may help soothe the legs.
Stretching
Focus on the calves and hamstrings. A simple "wall stretch" (stepping one foot back and pressing the heel into the floor) can provide quick relief.
Leg massage
Firmly massaging the calves or using a foam roller can help desensitize the nerves and improve circulation.
Sex
Sex or masturbation that leads to orgasm helps with the acute symptoms of RLS. Sex is involved with the release of a cocktail of neurotransmitters one of which is an increase in dopamine. Low dopamine is a factor leading to RLS (see Causes of restless legs syndrome – Dopamine). It may be that dopamine released during sex counteracts the intrinsic low dopamine. Conversely, RLS can cause significant sleep disruption reducing sexual desire. Dopamine agonists (used for RLS, see Treatments for RLS) have been linked to impulse control disorders, including increased sexual urges.
Mental stimulation
Engaging your brain in a complex puzzle may add as a distraction to the sensation in the legs.