Restless leg syndrome?
Friday, May 22nd, 2009 at
7:55 am
Kate asked:
i think i might have restless leg syndrome.
every night before bed when i’m laying on the couch, my legs will have this uncomfortable feeling until i shake or move them.
after i move them they’ll be fine for about another 30 seconds.
the feeling is really hard to explain, i’ve never had it before.
i think i might have restless leg syndrome.
every night before bed when i’m laying on the couch, my legs will have this uncomfortable feeling until i shake or move them.
after i move them they’ll be fine for about another 30 seconds.
the feeling is really hard to explain, i’ve never had it before.
it really only happens at night when i’m resting.
it doesn’t effect my sleeping, but it’s still really annoying.
is there anything i can do to help it?
Tagged with: Couch • Legs • Restless Leg Syndrome
Filed under: Restless Leg Syndrome
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This sounds like restless leg syndrome.
There is treatment for restless leg syndrome, some antiepileptic medicines have been shown to work, eg gabapentin and carbamazepine. It can also help with the diagnosis, since if this really is RLS these drugs will improve your symptoms.
Apparently, there are other things to try first though:
“Treatment of restless leg syndrome is first directed toward any underlying illness, if known. For example, a search for iron deficiency by blood testing to reveal underlying iron deficiency anemia. Reduction or elimination of caffeine and alcohol can be very helpful. Stopping smoking can also diminish symptoms. Getting better sleep and exercise can help some persons affected by restless legs.”
People with RLS feel uncomfortable sensations in their legs, especially when sitting or lying down, accompanied by an irresistible urge to move about. These sensations usually occur deep inside the leg, between the knee and ankle; more rarely, they occur in the feet, thighs, arms, and hands. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides.
Because moving the legs (or other affected parts of the body) relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed.
Most people find the symptoms to be less noticeable during the day and more pronounced in the evening or at night, especially during the onset of sleep. For many people, the symptoms disappear by early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time. Other triggering situations are periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long-distance flights, immobilization in a cast, or relaxation exercises.
I have it too and it is a real torture! It comes and goes depending on the coffee amounds I comsumed those days, the stress and pressure in work and the hours I slept.
When it ‘visits’ me, I’m trying to tire myself phisically up and drink less coffee for a few days.