I haven't slept more than two hours a night for five days now. Restless legs? They keep me awake!?

Question

What causes my legs to be so restless at night, and what can i possibly do to help them out?

Answer 1

Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition which causes pain and discomfort and prevents healthy sleeping patterns in sufferers. If you often feel an urge to move your legs when sitting or lying still for a long time, experience a “funny,” uncomfortable, creepy or itchy sensation in your legs when at rest or have ever woken yourself or your partner up during the night with jerking movements of your legs you may very well have Restless Leg Syndrome or RLS.

These symptoms are usually most troublesome at night though they can also occur during long stretches of inactivity, such as car trips, airline travel, in meetings, or when watching movies. Voluntarily moving the legs usually brings temporary relief from the unpleasant sensations. RLS is often detrimental to normal sleeping patterns, leading to insomnia and subsequent fatigue during the day - a problem that is inconvenient and debilitating for many people. Restless leg syndrome often has an insidious onset and worsens slowly over time. As the condition deteriorates the arms may also become involved.

Periodic Limb Movement of Sleep (PLMS or PLM) is a similar condition, but occurs during sleep. People suffering from PLM are not always aware of their problem although it does sometimes wake them up. Often the problem is reported by their sleeping partner who is kept awake by the involuntary movements during sleep. While not all people with RLS experience PLM, many people will have both conditions, although RLS remains the most troublesome to the sufferer.

What causes RLS and PLM?

Although a single cause for Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement has not been identified, these sleep disorders have been associated with several other conditions including pregnancy, obesity, neurological conditions, diabetes, ADHD, nutritional deficiency and kidney disease. People with these conditions are far more prone to RLS and PLM, though the symptoms often resolve when the underlying condition is properly treated or comes to a natural end.

Deficiencies of minerals, notably magnesium deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are also implicated in causing RLS and PLM. Environmental and other toxins including alcohol, cigarette smoke, caffeine and certain drugs like antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, blood pressure medications and certain prescription antidepressants can also cause or worsen symptoms.

Because these conditions sometime run in families, researchers are currently investigating a genetic link as well.

How are RLS and PLM usually treated?

If there is a known underlying condition causing RLS or PLM, treatment will be based on correcting the underlying disease. If no causative condition is known there are several drugs currently used to treat the symptoms of RLS and these are generally sedatives, anti-convulsants, pain-killers or dopaminergic drugs. All of these prescription drugs have the potential to cause adverse side-effects and some are also addictive. For this reason, people who suffer from PLM without RLS are often advised against medication due to the fact that PLM causes fewer problems and less sleep disturbance than RLS.

Answer 2

Others have noted that a calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamin D supplement has been very effective. Simple sugars, i.e. sweets and grains, as well as caffeine have aggravated this condition. A PhD level Scientist takes a calcium/magnesium supplement, folic acid, vitamin E, and occasionally an iron tablet. In the mornings, he takes a multi-vitamin and fish oils (for omega fatty acids). Where you get your supplements is extremely important. I recommend Vitamin Research Products. They have a team of specialists available to speak directly to you regarding your goals or health concerns. There are so many natural cures on this planet. Take charge of your health.

Answer 3

Eat a banana a day. Drink warm milk before bed and make sure your blankets are not laying too heavily on your legs. I put a large pillow at the foot of the bed to raise the blanket off mine.

The banana gives you magnesium and potasium and the milk A, D and calcium. All of these vitamines and minerals will help calm the muscles and nerves.

Doctors prescribe Nurotin for this condition but the side effect is a risk of suicide. I suggest you try my way first!!

Answer 4

that happens to me too
it will be gone in a couple of days
if not look up RESTLESS legs online for medices
ok feel better

Answer 5

Get some hot water. Put some salt in it. Soak both of your feet in the water. Stay there as long as you can. You will feel the difference in the first time.

It works man.

Answer 6

Talk to your doctor
but

Problems relate to that your spirit need you in one direction and your body go the other.

Talk to God as well. (study religions like christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism)

Answer 7

sleep in a sleeping bag, does miracles.