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[Biker Chick]

Hi everyone. Just wondered if anyone suffers from restless legs. I've started getting this sensation in my legs usually at night. I get the urge to keep them moving. It's quite uncomfortable to be honest. Not sure if I'm overdoing my exercising because I've increased this to help with my depression or whether it is something totally unrelated x   

[CLKD]

Yep.  We have several threads about that here.  For me, bananas *cured* the symptoms.  By chance I was eating 2-3 small ones daily and after 5 nights that awful sensation had gone.  I continued for 5+ years until I got absolutely sick of them !

I also elevated my legs at night with 2 pillows as well as for a few years 2 double blankets - which did help until I rolled over in bed  . For me it's lack of potassium others find a magnesium spray on the legs useful.  If it wakes me I take 2 Nurofen

[Taz2]

It's so annoying isn't it? Have you had your blood tested recently as restless legs can be caused by anaemia so it may be worth getting that checked out. There is info on the RLS website https://www.rls-uk.org/  which might be helpful. There are two different types Primary which comes and goes and Secondary which may be brought on by anaemia or some medications.

I find that one thing that can help - if I'm at home(!) - is laying flat on the floor with my legs up against the wall. It's best if you can do this as soon as you feel the restless feeling begin.

Taz x 

[Kathleen]

Hello Biker Chick and welcome to the forum.

Your post has reminded me that I used to get this in the evenings. It was pretty mild to be honest but it hasn't happened for a long time ( touch wood ). I assume it was hormonal and that phase has passed!

Wishing you well.

K.

[CLKD]

I've had it all my Life, unrelated to exercise.  I too have had relief by putting legs up the wall, I have tried to sleep with legs on the headboard but pins and needles forced me to change position.  I am aware of the sensations all the while but it only happens in bed.  When I sleep in the day it isn't a problem.

[JaneinPen]

Hi Biker Chick. My first question on here was about restless legs and CLKD was helpful.  Bananas didn't work for me.  Mine starts during the evening and I often have to get up and walk around for a bit and let my feet get cold as taking footwear and socks off if wearing does seems to help. I get it during the nights sometimes too which can keep me awake for quite a while.  Again letting my feet and my legs cool down does seem to help.  Unfortunately it is very random so I haven't been able to pinpoint any actual cause as it can be on good exercise days and bad ones too although I think less activity does make it a bit more likely to happen. Whatever the cause it is a very annoying problem to have and I do sympathise with you

[Taz2]

Do you take any medication for it JaneinPen?

Taz x

[Samade]

mine is often worse if I exercise too close to bed time, some times I get restless arms too. Definitely worse when I'm tired

[CLKD]

I have slept with legs hanging over the edge of the bed in order to relieve symptoms.  Sometimes it works, but feet/legs get cold of course. 
Tnk JaneinPen ;-)

[JaneinPen]

I don't take any medicine Taz2. Like CLKD I do take a painkiller sometimes but to be honest nothing I have tried seems to help and I just wait it out. I have tried drinking more in case it is dehydration related but that doesn't seem to make a difference either

[Taz2]

It's interesting reading from the link I posted above the list of medications which can make it worse. I think the medications used to treat RLS can all have side effects but it's helpful to know that there is treatment out there should things get too bad. My dad used to get really bad pain with his restless legs as he got older but was never offered any treatment and, at the time, I didn't even think of trying to find out more for him.

Taz x

[CLKD]

Tnx for the Link - seems that 'they' list all the most commonly prescribed ADs  - I had restless leg syndrome years++ prior to depression.  My medication, various types since 1988, have NEVER impacted on the symptoms.  Neither does excercise/lack of  .

I have never been asked by anyone whether my RLS has been affected, wonder where they get their information?  Seems anit-AD to me!

[Taz2]

"I have never been asked by anyone whether my RLS has been affected, wonder where they get their information?  Seems anit-AD to me"

Hi CLKD. I don't believe that it's anti ADs. I think its because anti depressants dampen dopamine and low dopamine is seen to be one of the causes of RLS from what I've read.

Taz x

[CLKD]

But have they actually asked sufferers  or is there an assumption?   I wonder how one can in the UK report effects of various medications, prescribed or otherwise - so that others benefit from up-2-date personal knowledge?

Is dopamine level testable ? (that's good English, not  )

[Taz2]

Have you had a look at the RLS website? Probably on there somewhere 

Taz