Can RLS (Restless Leg in Syndrome) JUST be an urge to move?

Question

not necessarily a feeling in your legs, but a creepy-crawly feeling in the pit of your stomach. Sometimes I feel like i need to move when i lay down, but it isnt in my legs i feel it over my whole body and in my core...is that restless leg syndrome?

Answer 1

Your symptoms sound more like general anxiety. RLS is a very annoying condition that can wreck a good nights' sleep over 3 nights a week. I've had it since I was around 13 years old and it has progressed to the point where I seldom go to sleep at night unless I've walked around until my legs are tired.

Don't drink caffeine after 6pm and try to wind down before going to bed. Your anxiety should decrease dramatically.

Answer 2

I agree with others that this doesn't sound like RLS. It sounds like some type of agitation or inability to relax your muscles. One thing you could try is taking a magnesium supplement (around 250 mg) in the morning and evening, along with a glass of water or other non-caffeinated beverage. Some people do not absorb minerals efficiently, and they end up with a shortage of magnesium, which keeps the muscles felling like they are hooked up to low electrical voltage. If the magnesium is causing the problem, it will go away in 2-3 days. If you try magnesium and the problem doesn't go away, then stop taking - it won't help. Be aware that magnesium competes with calcium absorption, so you have to also make sure you are getting enough calcium if you take magnesium supplements.

Another thing to try is some stretching exercises when you first get home or in the mornings. It may not help either, but there is no harm in trying.

Answer 3

No, that's not what they're talking about when they talk about RLS -- the agitation is in the legs. A lot of people have kind of self-diagnosed themselves with RLS ever since those Requip commercials have been on, and insisted on it from their doctors, but are surprised/disappointed when it doesn't help them.