Long Distance Competition/Ultracycling, Randonneuring and Endurance Cycling - Leg movements during sleep

Hello,

I started riding Brevets last year. After my second 600K Brevet I’ve developed a strange problem with my legs: they start to kick rapidly and uncontrollably when I am first starting to go to sleep after I do a long ride. It only lasts a few seconds. There is no pain or cramps it just makes it hard to go to sleep. It is gradually getting worse in that I can do if after shorted rides. Now if sometimes occurs when I am just sitting and relaxing. Does anyone know what this could be? Is it a normal thing where my brain remembers the repetitive movements or is there something wrong like restless leg syndrome or something?

Thanks

David

I had some similar "restless leg" type symptoms: Not a full-out movement, but that twitchy just-before-the-starting-gun feeling in my legs as though they were going to break off and run across the yard on their own.
I upped the amount of magnesium in my diet and it stopped.

standard disclaimers: Not a doctor, didn't stay at a Holiday Inn Express, YMMV, etc.

Maybe this is just some wives tale recipe but it works for me... I have restless leg syndrome (I feel it mostly in my knees - an almost irresistible urge to kick my legs) and so does my father. His doctor advised using Tonic Water (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonic_water)that contains quinine. About 8 oz settles my knees down in minutes. YMMV...

Interesting solution with the magnesium. It is supposed to relax the muscles (and relieve cramping issues so I am told).

I have had "jumpy legs for years... A.D.D. for legs so to speak. I really increased my post-ride stretching this year, as well as general leg stretching when I sit around watching TV etc. I believe this stretching has played a key role in reducing my jumpy legs.

I am going to start magnesium/calcium supplements to relieve cramping and salt loss issues on long rides. I will be VERY curious to see if it further relieves my jumpy legs.

doesn't sound like restless leg syndrome to me. usually, people describe that as the need to move, not unconscious movements.

Sounds more like myoclonic jerks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myoclonus#Types). They're just spastic movements that happen as you're falling asleep, and I don't think a symptom of anything in particular (sometimes implicated in restless legs, though). Happens more to some than others. It happens more to me if I am exceptionally tired, like one may be after a 600k brevet. It is also more common for me if I fall asleep in an unusual position.

Myoclonic jerks is what it sounds like to me as well. You probably been having those all your life since most people do. Your probably now realizing it after a long ride because your body is still "up" from all the cycling you did so your in a more conscious state then you use to be just before falling to sleep.

But try the supplements as another poster mentioned, but start out by taking just 1/2 the recommended dosage to see it that works. Too much magnesium could cause upset stomach and diarrhea, along with heart issues, low blood pressure, depression, muscle and joint pain, bone weakness, fatigue, dehydration, and in rare cases death. But those conditions I listed are not common. But when taking nutrients always take the least amount you can, for example most bottles today recommend taking two or 4 of whatever their supplying, thus you take one.

i just got done riding 1000 miles in a day and now my legs are doing strange things. what gives?

i just got done riding 1000 miles in a day and now my legs are doing strange things. what gives?

Wow! That's an average speed of over 41 mph for 24 hours. That would make my legs do strange things too.