Restless Legs and Exercise When You Have Kidney Disease

Research shows that regular exercise can help reduce the severity of restless legs. The general information below can help you use exercise and other strategies to cope with restless legs when you have kidney disease. If you have any questions, talk to your dialysis team or your kinesiologist or exercise therapist.

What type of exercise is best for restless legs?

• Regular light to moderate exercise such as walking or cycling works best for reducing how severe symptoms are.
• Try to avoid vigorous or extreme exercise as this often makes symptoms worse.
• You should be able to have a conversation while exercising. If you can’t have a conversation with someone, the exercise may be too intense.
• Focus on activities that involve your legs.

When is the best time to exercise?

• There does not seem to be one specific time of day that is best to exercise.
• It may be a good idea to avoid a lot of exercise within 1 hour of bedtime.
• Typically, exercise provides the best benefit in the morning or afternoon as most people have more energy at these times of the day.
• You may have to experiment with the timing of your exercise and see what works best for you.

How do I get started with exercise?

• Pick exercises and activities you enjoy.
• Try to exercise daily to help set up good exercise habits.
• Start with a small amount of exercise and progress slowly.
• Try to build up to 30 minutes of light to moderate intensity exercise each day.

In addition to planned exercise, you can also try to increase your physical activity levels throughout the day. Some ideas to increase your daily activity include parking further away from where you’re going, taking the stairs when possible, and doing daily chores or yard work.

What are some other strategies to help cope with restless legs?

• Have a consistent bedtime routine that provides you with the most symptom relief before bed.
• Stretching and yoga may provide temporary relief and can be used as part of an effective bedtime routine.
• Going for a massage can help provide temporary relief.
• Use strategies to improve your sleep (called sleep hygiene):
  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
  • Go to bed only when you feel tired.
  • Try not to nap during the day.
  • Use your bedroom for sleep and sex only.
• Do mind-stimulating activities such as word puzzles, reading, or knitting.
• Use heat or cold therapies, such as taking a warm or cold bath or shower, or using hot or cold packs. If you have reduced feeling or neuropathy, test the cold or hot therapy on an unaffected area of your body first to avoid damaging your skin.
• Try different relaxation techniques such as visualization, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Try using products that apply pressure to your legs, such as compression stockings or weighted blankets.

What are some common triggers to avoid?

• Stop or cut down on stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Avoid using these products close to bedtime.
• Avoid vigorous or extreme levels of exercise.
• Try to avoid stressful situations and situations that may cause you to feel anxious.
• Antihistamines (used to treat colds and allergies) may trigger restless leg symptoms. Antinausea drugs as well as antidepressants have also been linked to worsening symptoms.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_restless_legs_kidney_disease_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: January 08, 2026

Author: Alberta Kidney Care

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.