In Germany sometimes doctors consider muscle relaxation techniques as a contraindication for the restless legs syndrome. The reason is, that the autogenic training (Schultz) or the Jacobson method include concentration on the legs, which may lead to even more leg movements during rest.
If one leaves out the concentration for the legs, will there be a more positive effect on sleep quality and less restless legs?
I am not a researcher in this area, but instead have severe RLS myself and so have studied publications on this disease rather extensively. For those of us with severe cases of RLS (properly referred to as Willis-Ekbom Disease or WED), the disease involves more than just the legs. In my case it also involves the arms and torso. For others it can involve the neck. Quite honestly, attempting to go through a muscle relaxation treatment without being current on my medications would fill me with fear of triggering a major attack. Although the cause of WED/RLS is not established, the issue appears to be one of relaxation triggering changes in the neurotransmitters in the brain, possibly centered in the substantia nigra or a portion of the hypothalamus.
But following your views, would it not mean, that you should never keep quiet physically or relaxing in between during the day and on the contrary have to be always in mind to be somehow bodily active? Do you lead your life like this really?
That is correct. Without medication, I was always in some kind of motion. While seated, my foot would be in motion. For many of us, attending a concert or movie where you have to sit and be quiet is impossible. Long distance travel by car or plane can also be a problem. Children with the disease are usually labeled as either ADD or simply fidgety. It is only with medication that addresses the neurotransmitter issues that we can reduce the motion and lean something like a normal life.
Of course, I am describing the level of the disease that would be labeled serious or extreme. For mild cases, there are often coping skills that can be learned to keep things under control. I have never heard of anyone having any success with techniques such as what you propose, but I cannot say that it might not be useful to someone out there.
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