Who else has it and what do you do to control it? I have no problem falling asleep but almost every night I wake with this urge to move legs and it keeps me up. Sometimes 20 mins sometimes 3hrs. Triggers for me are when the body is a little stressed. High training load, single beer, coffee after noon. What I do to help:
Magnesium, Zinc vitamins. Anybody have other suggestions. Lack of sleep = Poor recovery… Thanks!
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I don’t have restlegs exactly but I do take Magnesium citrate 2-3 capsules per day or I get mild to severe muscle twitches during the day and night calf cramps, I also tend to kick out and twitch when I initially fall asleep and wake myself up. Mg citrate is the only supplement I have ever taken that has made a huge difference (to anything).
I’m now also on a muscle relaxant at night for a chronic neck problem so I don’t have a problem with sleeping these days and recovery is much improved
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When I had it real bad I was prescribed liquid iron… But a sleep specialist should be able to do a sleep study and prescribe whatever is needed…
Sounds retarded but this has helped me for years in combating RLS is to place a pillow, preferably a body pillow (those huge ones) between my knees (parallel to my body). It has done absolute wonders but N=1 (YMMV).
My symptoms are more of the falling into a deeper sleep once asleep. I wake myself out of the light sleep. Sorry, I don’t know the vernacular too well.
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Thanks guys. I never even considered a sleep doctor. I’ve had low iron in the past. Will need to look into that as well,
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I have issues with restless legs too. Same as you, no trouble falling asleep, but I will wake up with the urge to move legs or wake myself up ;sleep kicking’ The main trigger for me is when i do a really intense ride, or other activity that really stresses my legs and my nerves get overactive. I’ve tried magnesium and zinc without much noticeable difference but might give it another go round. Tried melatonin but it didn’t help my legs and gave me weird dreams.
Nothing has completely eliminated it for me but here’s what has seemed to help a little. Stretch and foam rolling before bed seems to help my legs relax. Also sometimes I take a nice hot shower before going to bed. When I do wake up, if I don’t get back to sleep fairly quickly I’ve found it helps to just get up out of bed and walk around, get a drink of water and stretch. Sucks waking up, but it’s better (for me at least) than tossing and turning for several hours.
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I was treated for sleep apnea…symptoms gone
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Also, I sleep with a c-shape body pillow. I’m in great physical shape, but a wrong deadlift has resulted in L4L5 protrusion and L5S1 bulge…no bueno my friend
I’ve had problems with restless legs for years. I read some research and they suggested taking a high strength does of iron supplements. I spoke to my Dr and he agreed to do this for a short time. i did it for a month and then just took a regular supplement now and the symptoms are far better. it’s a horrible experience. hope it clears up soon.
Thanks everybody. I’m going to look into iron supplementation. Although I do remember something about it being difficult to raise iron levels and that liquid is best? Will have to do some reading.
Also if I remember coffee has a negative effect of iron levels? This time of the year with a higher training load I bet I drink more coffee. Double whammy… Extra coffee before the long ride and probably another after the ride.
Hopefully I can figure it out. Everyone’s comments has lead me towards different avenues to research. Big help… Thanks
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I’m not sure if this is the same but I often wake myself up by over stretching my legs. Being tall, this results in me pushing my feet against the wooden frame of the bed and I’ve sometimes woken up with sore feet!
I’ll be following this thread with interest
I have it too and take magnesium, works for me. Your doctor can prescribe something for you too. I know people who take Sinemet, it seems to work for them.
I’m in the RLS club too. I also get it in my arms and what feels like in my stomach from time to time. I’ve never really found anything that does help although I do know that having even just 1 beer is guaranteed to kick it off.
Oh man doesn’t it suck that you can’t even have a single beer! I always pay the price.
Going to make doctor appointment toncjst about iron. Thanks… Sorta nice to know that I’m not the only with this problem.
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My wife has had it for years. It really affected her quality of life as she would never get a good nights sleep. She would literally wake (shake?) up every 5-30 minutes. We finally went to see a brain specialist and she has to take medication (a small dosage of Clonazepam - Clonazepam (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic). We still question what causes it (in the brain or in the spine) but at least we have quality of life back!
Blockquote[quote=“BigOlBar, post:15, topic:13813, full:true”]
My wife has had it for years. It really affected her quality of life as she would never get a good nights sleep. She would literally wake (shake?) up every 5-30 minutes. We finally went to see a brain specialist and she has to take medication (a small dosage of Clonazepam - https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements//clonazepam-oral-route/description/drg-20072102stomach pillow). We still question what causes it (in the brain or in the spine) but at least we have quality of life back!
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You’re my savior. I’ve tried Clonazepam and finally get rid of RLS. Thank you so much!
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Could be your sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive from the intense work out. Ever try meditating?
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