Restless legs driving me crazy.

[giddyup]

I have posted this before but the problem seems to be getting worse and I'm at my wit's end trying to come up with a solution. It was usually at night that my legs would "jump" just as I was about to fall asleep and jolting me awake, and this process would just keep repeating itself most of the night, causing me to have little or very interrupted sleep. Now it seems to be happening if I try and catch a nap in the daytime as well. I have had the problem on and off for years, but it seems to be getting steadily worse.

I have tried Vitamin B, Magnesium, Potassium and have just ordered some Melatonin to try. Even Alprozolam as a last resort doesn't seem to work. I did go to Bkk/Pattaya hospital some time ago, but the doctor only prescribed the sleeping pills.From what I have researched there doesn't seem to be a "fix" for this problem as doctors don't know what actually causes it, and the thought of having to suffer sleepless nights repeatedly is really exhausting me. I think I have tried all the natural remedies, so not sure where I can go from here. I think the symptoms are also known as a "hypnic jerk".

Edited September 21, 2018 by giddyup

[Esso49]

Hopefully some one like Sheryl on here will give you medical advice. Why not PM her if not? she supplies so much good info on here I'm sure she can give you a pointer or two.

[giddyup]

1 minute ago, Esso49 said:

Hopefully some one like Sheryl on here will give you medical advice. Why not PM her if not? she supplies so much good info on here I'm sure she can give you a pointer or two.

She usually reads these posts, but maybe someone else has a similar problem and have managed to find some relief.

[Peterw42]

Ex wife years ago suffered from RLS, so you my sympathies. She tried all sorts of things and it would come and go. The most effective was plan old exercise, 10 kilometres on the treadmill at the gym, that night less symptoms. She was also on muscle relaxants, but cannot recall name etc.

[TeaMonkey]

I’ve had that, suddenly jolt back awake when drifting into sleep. For me it’s usually when I’ve drank too much caffeine throughout the day. Restless leg syndrome is something different. I’ve had that too and what helps me is taking a Zemax magnesium/zinc tablet before bed.

[CharlieH]

An unhelpful post has been removed (and response to it.)

 

 

[CharlieH]

OP: There is some useful info here that may be of help.

 

http://health.facty.com/conditions/restless-legs-symptom/10-home-remedies-for-restless-leg-syndrome/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1NnHiO7K3QIVAR4rCh0ibAEdEAAYAiAAEgKCdPD_BwE

[lopburi3]

I found drinking more water helped when I had such issues (although mine was normally cramp type issue).  Keeping hydrated seems to help and is recommended..  

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-greenfield/10-tips-for-restless-leg-_b_4974646.html

[giddyup]

20 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

OP: There is some useful info here that may be of help.

 

http://health.facty.com/conditions/restless-legs-symptom/10-home-remedies-for-restless-leg-syndrome/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1NnHiO7K3QIVAR4rCh0ibAEdEAAYAiAAEgKCdPD_BwE

Thanks, have tried them all except yoga.

[giddyup]

14 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

I found drinking more water helped when I had such issues (although mine was normally cramp type issue).  Keeping hydrated seems to help and is recommended..  

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-greenfield/10-tips-for-restless-leg-_b_4974646.html

I drink 2 litres a day now, don't think I can manage any more.

[giddyup]

34 minutes ago, TeaMonkey said:

I’ve had that, suddenly jolt back awake when drifting into sleep. For me it’s usually when I’ve drank too much caffeine throughout the day. Restless leg syndrome is something different. I’ve had that too and what helps me is taking a Zemax magnesium/zinc tablet before bed.

Taking 400mg Magnesium Citrate every day.

[lopburi3]

8 minutes ago, giddyup said:

I drink 2 litres a day now, don't think I can manage any more.

Recommended is 3.7 liters (for temperate climate - probably more here)

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
•  
• About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men

[giddyup]

5 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Recommended is 3.7 liters (for temperate climate - probably more here)

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
•  
• About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men

No way I can manage that. I don't sweat a lot anyway, so I think 2 litres is adequate, besides, I don't think dehydration is the problem, it's more neurological. Also, they say let thirst drive your water consumption.

Edited September 21, 2018 by giddyup

[4evermaat]

If you want someone specifically to appear in the thread, you have to mention them by name like this:

@Sheryl 

 

or PM them.

[Wanderer555]

I would recommend visiting a movement disorder specialist. 

They are neurologists that have extra training for RLS, Parkinson’s and more. 

 

Sheryl recommended I go see the following doctor for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease and I plan to see h next month. 

 

Best wishes, hope you can find some relief. 

 

 

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/index.php/en/find-a-doctor/doctor-profile/?id=423&doctor=Dr._APICHART_PISARNPONG

[giddyup]

4 minutes ago, Wanderer555 said:

I would recommend visiting a movement disorder specialist. 

They are neurologists that have extra training for RLS, Parkinson’s and more. 

 

Sheryl recommended I go see the following doctor for Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease and I plan to see h next month. 

 

Best wishes, hope you can find some relief. 

 

 

https://www.bangkokhospital.com/index.php/en/find-a-doctor/doctor-profile/?id=423&doctor=Dr._APICHART_PISARNPONG

Thanks, that will be my next step if I can't find relief from natural products. Problem is a lot of medications that treat Parkinson's etc have some serious side effects, but it may be the only way.

[Wanderer555]

14 minutes ago, giddyup said:

Thanks, that will be my next step if I can't find relief from natural products. Problem is a lot of medications that treat Parkinson's etc have some serious side effects, but it may be the only way.

Yes, I agree with the many negative side effects. I have struggled with that for many years and now take very low dosages after finding a balance between Presciption meds and natural remedies. 

 

Now, I take natural supplements, exercise and practice yoga / meditation. This is really helping me. 

 

I would atill recommend seeing a specialist to get a diagnoses and rules out anything more serious. 

 

From there, maybe use any prescribed meds with caution to find relief and then develop your own treatment plan ( including the above mentioned therapies). 

 

Please stay strong and avoid self medicating with alcohol etc. 

I have tried that and it did not go well...

 

best wishes

[BobBKK]

I started to get tingling on the soles of my feet and palm of hands (not sure if this is similar)?  taking Magnesium helped a lot. Good luck anyway.

[giddyup]

6 minutes ago, Wanderer555 said:

Yes, I agree with the many negative side effects. I have struggled with that for many years and now take very low dosages after finding a balance between Presciption meds and natural remedies. 

 

Now, I take natural supplements, exercise and practice yoga / meditation. This is really helping me. 

 

I would atill recommend seeing a specialist to get a diagnoses and rules out anything more serious. 

 

From there, maybe use any prescribed meds with caution to find relief and then develop your own treatment plan ( including the above mentioned therapies). 

 

Please stay strong and avoid self medicating with alcohol etc. 

I have tried that and it did not go well...

 

best wishes

Very moderate drinker these days, maybe a glass of red wine 3 or 4 times a week, that's about it. I have had several check-up and blood tests recently, everything is pretty much normal. Are you still getting RLS symptoms or have they disappeared with the medication etc you are taking? I am not sure what I have is RLS, it seems more like what they call a Hypnic Jerk.

[giddyup]

2 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

I started to get tingling on the soles of my feet and palm of hands (not sure if this is similar)?  taking Magnesium helped a lot. Good luck anyway.

A tingling? I wish.

[BobBKK]

10 minutes ago, giddyup said:

A tingling? I wish.

I mean it led to a sort of shaking. Anyway maybe unrelated sorry.

[giddyup]

2 minutes ago, BobBKK said:

I mean it led to a sort of shaking. Anyway maybe unrelated sorry.

No probs, what I have is really a spasm, one or both legs jerk just when I'm about to drop off.

[BobBKK]

3 minutes ago, giddyup said:

No probs, what I have is really a spasm, one or both legs jerk just when I'm about to drop off.

I have had that too. I assumed it was the muscles relaxing, letting out the energy so to speak. Now I own an Inversion Therapy table and, although I don't use daily, I do use in occasion if I feel my back and legs 'seizing up'. It's a thought?

[giddyup]

1 minute ago, BobBKK said:

I have had that too. I assumed it was the muscles relaxing, letting out the energy so to speak. Now I own an Inversion Therapy table and, although I don't use daily, I do use in occasion if I feel my back and legs 'seizing up'. It's a thought?

No, can't see that working for my problem.

[GarryP]

4 minutes ago, giddyup said:

No probs, what I have is really a spasm, one or both legs jerk just when I'm about to drop off.

You should be pleased to know that actually is quite normal . It is not restless leg syndrome. Read about "hypnagogic jerks" or "hypnic jerks". Many people experience it, myself included.   

[giddyup]

3 minutes ago, GarryP said:

You should be pleased to know that actually is quite normal . It is not restless leg syndrome. Read about "hypnagogic jerks" or "hypnic jerks". Many people experience it, myself included.   

I know a lot of people suffer from it, that doesn't help me to get a good nights sleep though. Have read enough to know there is no quick fix. What's your remedy to relieve the symptoms?

Edited September 21, 2018 by giddyup

[CGW]

Does or would "grounding" help, do you live in a condo? if you live in a house and walk outside barefoot this is obviously not going to help.

[giddyup]

7 minutes ago, CGW said:

Does or would "grounding" help, do you live in a condo? if you live in a house and walk outside barefoot this is obviously not going to help.

Not with you.?

[CGW]

Just now, giddyup said:

Not with you.?

Grounding the electrical energy in your body to earth by walking outside on "grass" barefoot, the theory being that if you live in condo or whatever the body never gets to naturally ground as it is supposed to and builds up excess energy.

[tropo]

3 hours ago, giddyup said:

Thanks, have tried them all except yoga.

I don't have the condition, but have you tried a magnesium supplement immediately before bed? I pop 200mg before I go to bed and it really improves my sleep. Most people are magnesium deficient and it is important to maintain proper function of nerves and muscles. I've seen RLS on a list of conditions they use magnesium to treat. I would go for 400 - 500mg per day. Even if it doesn't fix your RLS, there are a lot of other benefits from taking it.

 

I read this, here: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-998/magnesium

 

• A disorder that causes a strong urge to move one's legs (restless legs syndrome; RLS). Taking magnesium by mouth might decrease the amount of movement and increase the amount of sleep in patients with restless legs syndrome. However, the role of magnesium, if any, in restless legs syndrome is uncertain. Some people with this condition have high levels of magnesium in their blood, while others have low magnesium levels.

 

 

Edited September 21, 2018 by tropo