Is it impossible for me to get energy from sleep if I have Restless Leg Syndrome?

Question

A couple of months ago, I was diagnosed with having Hypersomnia and am currently taking 350mg of Provigil, which has worked exceptionally well to keep me awake during class, work, etc. . After further reading of hypersomnia, I had realized Restless Leg Syndrome was the cause. Ever since I was about six, I've had the symptoms of RLS: tingling feeling, urge to move, only goes away when moving or concentrating on something else like video games. The thing is, it occurs to almost ALL of my muscles not just legs or arms, but my neck, fingers, shoulder, calves, etc. I wake up in the morning just the same way I went to sleep. I feel like I get no energy at all from sleep. What am I supposed to do?? I also haven't had the time to check in with my neurologist lately, but plan to do so soon for asking about RLS. What can I do sleep-wise to help me? Also dietary?

Answer 1

It sounds like you are suffering from sleep deprevation of what is called REM sleep which is the sixth level of sleep! It IS caused by RLS and sleep apnea!

You are falling asleep during the day right! Tired.

See our brains need sleep they only get to unwind on the level of sleep called REM for rapid eye movement! At this level our breathing and other functions are on automatic. They are handled by the lower brain! Our upper brain is free to unwind! During this time our eyes dart around! Now if our legs twitch, This causes the brain to receive a stimilus and it drops out of REM! Likewise if our breathing either stops in the case of central apnea or is blocked off in the case of obstructive apnea the lack of oxygen in the brain causes it to signal the lungs to gasp for air! Now it does this while we are still in level one thru five of sleep! So we do not know what is happening! But our poor brain is not sleeping!! Our body can get 10 hours of sleep and yet we are TIRED!

I really think you should inquire about a sleep study! That I think Apnea is the cause of your Hypersomnia! I ABSOLUTELY KNOW ONE HUNDRED PERCENT THAT RLS ALONE WILL DISTURB YOUR SLEEP AT REM LEVEL!!!!!

YOU NEED AN OVERNIGHT SLEEP STUDY TO SEE WHAT IS WRONG! I DO NOT THINK MEDICATION IS NECESSARY EXCEPT FOR THE RLS! THERE ARE SEVERAL DRUGS AVAILABLE FOR IT! IF YOU GO TO A SLEEP CLINIC THEY WILL FIND OUT THE SPECIFICS!

I GO TO A NEUROLOGIST AND A SLEEP DOCTOR BOTH!

YOU NEED TO GO TO A SLEEP SPECIALIST !

I am 61 and I feel like I am 30 I am using a CPAP device nightly and I wish I had gotten it earlier! See I did not go until I actually DIED for a few minutes on the operating table in a simple operation! Within a month I was at one of those Sleep Clinics and I met my best new buddy my CPAP machine which I use nightly! God only knows how my life would of come out if I would of had it earlier! I have so much more energy than I ever did!

I am telling you you really need to get checked out! It makes all the difference in the world! The RLS is one pill just before bed!

Go to a clinic please! It will take care of BOTH YOUR PROBLEMS


APS

THIS IS FROM MERK MANUALS:
"Hypersomnia may also be a symptom of sleep apnea or a psychologic disorder (such as severe anxiety or depression). Chronic hypersomnia that begins during adolescence may be a symptom of narcolepsy. Hypersomnia may also result from overuse of sleep aids.


When evaluating a person who has become excessively sleepy, doctors ask about the person's mood, sleep-wake schedule, and use of drugs. Often, a sleep partner can describe the person's sleep abnormalities best. These abnormalities may include snoring and breathing pauses (which suggest obstructive sleep apnea) as well as grinding of teeth, kicking, and sleepwalking. Doctors "

Answer 2

You should consult your doctor you don't know what the exact cause is. If you suspect RLS you will have to see a neurologist and they will run a series of tests and probably send you to a sleep clinic so they can see how many times you wake up during your sleep. (You'll be surprised at the number of times you wake up and don't even realize it) You are right it disrupts your sleep and your life because your always tired and it bothers others if you sleep next to someone. RLS is constant movement in your legs. If you have it elsewhere it's probably something else. Medication is the only way to control RLS.

Answer 3

Restless leg syndrome makes you keep on moving - you cannot get to sleep because your legs & feet are so uncomfortable - and the only thing that eases them is to exercise them - although I also find a hot bath before bed decreases the problem. If you had this you would have to keep on moving your feet, toes legs - all completely voluntary - unlike what you are describling which is an involuntary action.

Answer 4

I am so sorry you have this. This must be so hard to deal with. I have Chronic Fatigue syndrome. Even if I am dead tired, sometimes I just can't sleep. What my doctor has done for me is started me on melatonin. It is a natural sleep aid you can buy over the counter in the vitamin section. It has helped me alot. I am grateful that it works for me because it doesn't work for everyone. I hope it works for you. Hang in there.

Answer 5

Absolutely! See a doctor or perhaps a neurologist. This is way beyond the usual RLS. And yes, it probably is keeping you from getting a good night's rest.

Answer 6

Make time for the neurologist!
The site below may help you find a solution.