rat fink

I think I have RLS. I've had symptoms for years. Lately, it has gotten worse. In the last week, I haven't been able to sleep at night, at all. I usually try to go to bed at around 11:00p, never quite fall asleep, then find myself after a few hours feeling full of energy, (physically). Mentally, I'm exhausted. Often, I feel the intense desire to go on a ride. Let me restate that, I feel like I MUST ride my bike. Simultaneously, I start to feel this tense feeling in my legs, primarily in the arches, the dorsal portion of feet around the forefoot area, and my calves. It also can be felt in my glutes and quads. The feeling is like a muscle that needs to be stretched, or moved, or something. For some reason, I'm convinced that massage would help with this. Sliding my feet back and forth on my sheets like I'm making a snow angel helps ...if I never stop. Sometimes, I'm so uncomfortable that I just want to kick my feet against the bed, or the ground, or the wall. I try to do stretch in the typical fashion to loosen them up, But I just cannot stretch them well enough to relax them in any meaningful way. This has been keeping me up all night. It does not seem to subside until morning, at which point, I usually end up fall asleep for a few hours before going about my day.

So, anyone have something like this?

ursle

Hydrate, eat bananas

Gleamed from livestrong

[h=2]Calcium and Magnesium Balance[/h]Magnesium is essential for regulating calcium levels in the body. Supplies of both these minerals must be constantly renewed in order to maintain a healthy nervous system. Low magnesium levels in the body put a drain on calcium supplies. Once calcium is exhausted, nerves cells stop functioning. Magnesium acts as a depressant calming the nerves and inducing sleep. Calcium has a role in making muscles contract while magnesium is needed to make the muscles relax. When magnesium levels are low, a person may experience symptoms, such as irritability, muscle twitching and nervous fatigue. Calcium levels within the body's cells increase when an individual is under stress, causing muscles to tense. Magnesium helps push calcium out of the cells so that muscles can relax. But if there is not enough magnesium present to do its job, calcium will continue to make the muscles to tense. Too much calcium in the body can actually deplete magnesium levels.

Vlaam4ever

Although I cant help you, I think I may have RLS if the symptons you describe are accurate. I also have a bit of anxiety so my light dose of anxiety meds have helped me get sleep for the past few months.

I recommend you bring it up with your doctor if it is keeping you from sleep. A few nights out of the week you can live with, but if it is regularly keeping you from sleep, you can begin to jeopordize health. Your body does stange stuff to you mental and physical well being, when you cant reset.

Mike F

My wife has it bad, she is a tri-geek. Spent plenty of nights on the couch as a result. Its like she is running in place or kick boxing. The Dr. gave her a prescription that seems to work a little. You have to experience it to understand how messed up it is. Sympathies and good luck.

Jaymadd

Go see a doctor. I've had mild symptoms that come and go myself for years but nothing that keeps me up at night. Usually happens when I lay on the couch or if I'm in the car for long periods of time. It is a terrible feeling, good luck.

chaadster

I've had a condition very similar to the OP, which I also thought seemed like RLS. I didn't do anything about, and eventually it went away, I guess. It was many years ago, and although I still don't sleep well usually, and toss and turn a lot, it seems to be something different than RLS now.

I realize that doesn't help the OP at all, unless you consider that someday it may go away on it's own, or you'll adapt. Maybe if you could ride more, you could work it out of your legs? Dunno.

Number400

I used to wake up from rhythmically flexing my calves when asleep. It's right, left, right, left, etc... this could go on for some time. It is really funny, like my legs were riding while I was asleep, like the muscles were getting input from cycling. I don't think my experience was RLS, rather some sort of comfort thing because once I was wise to it, I was able to make it stop without really fully waking up. Now it never happens.

Since it has been going on for a long time, I would get it checked out. It's not a cheap solution, but try changing your mattress or adding more cushion. It could be that you are just not comfortable and/or have some circulation issues with your current sleeping setup.

roby

I've had similar things since I was a child. For me it's always like in the back of the knees in a sense. It doesn't happen very often but when it does I can't be comfortable unless I'm moving. I kick my legs over and over and move and twitch and doesn't matter what I do my legs are uncomfortable and it feels like I should go for a marathon. Sometimes rubbing "A535" seems to help soothe it. Never looked into it, don't believe doctors or drugs much, just figured I had too much energy when it happens. I'll try water and bananas next time

Roby!

datlas 

If it does not clear up with some magnesium as already suggested, see a real doctor (not an internet one).

You may need to be tested for iron deficiency which often goes hand-in-hand with RLS.

There are drugs for RLS although I generally advise against them unless the symptoms are intolerable.

Campag4life

I have restless middle leg syndrome...or RMLS. I have learned to cope but it has and continues to be a heavy burden.

mshred

wow. just wow.

OhPinchy

I have long suffered with RLS but only diagnosed it relatively recently. What I find is most effective in treating the symptoms is massage: there are loads of massage machines out there but most are useless, but this one is hardcore and brilliant: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Zen-Lifestyl...0138488&sr=8-1 I also find that wearing compression socks in the evening (when it's worst for me) really settles the legs. I sometimes take ZMA supplement which is not a sleeping aid but does help you get into a deeper sleep once you've gotten to sleep. I've read up on it a lot and am not in favour of a medication solution as it would be long-term, but I have to say the massage and compression combination has worked wonders for me so I hope it helps you too.

Makel

Compression socks and tights help me.

Dudelsack 

wut

stevebiker

I had similar symptoms when I first started riding regularly a couple of years ago. Over time, they went away. I don't know if it's because of a dietary change that made up for a nutritional deficiency (I doubt it), or because my legs have gotten used to regular riding. I suspect it's the latter.

abrasive

I suffered with this for years. Finally found a sports-oriented chiro who helped me figure out that it was tightness around my SI joint, causing some nerve compression.

Try hip-related stretches, like the sort you'd use if you were having IT-band problems. That and low-back core exercises.

Other tips: If you sleep on your side, try putting a pillow between your legs. On your back, put it under your knees.

Hope this helps. It's like torture, I know.

EnsitMike

Ironic thread, yesterday I was at my Moms place for Mothers Day-- I had to leave early because I had RBS (restless body syndrome) haha. I grew up riding, and never had the problem, but since I've picked it up recently again and started ridding regularly I get intensely restless.

TromboneAl

htfu

Campag4life

Actually, that's the problem. Quite a distraction in public. I am a proud sufferer however and will pogo on.

rat fink

Thanks to everyone who replied. I still have the problem frequently, but many of remedies mentioned have helped. Another thing that goes a long way, is simply popping my toes and massaging my instep for a while. I still haven't got around to trying compression socks, but I would like to give that a try soon.

Ghost Ryder

Riding has been part of the solution for me.
I'll say me modifying my diet, lots of water, & bananas daily is part of the cure too.(I use 1 banana per smoothie.)
Regular chiro visits have help a lot too.

It never kept me up, but did keep me from getting quality sleep.
I would twitch, flail my legs in my sleep. It used to get so aggressive that it would wake me up. My dog used to have to get off the bed to avoid getting kicked.
I don't sleep well to begin with, but at least its a bit better now I don't have to worry about my legs.

AdelaaR

thehammerdog

The "jimmyLeg" can be treated with meds, it is also a progressive issue getting worst as we age. Many ways to treat with meds see a neurologist.

jrobe

This is not difficult to treat. I usually start my patients on Mirapex first. See your doctor.

Ghost Ryder

If I can avoid the use of drugs, I usually do.
Who really knows the side effect they have on our systems.
One drug cures one thing, but might mess up a bunch of things.
I'd only use drugs as a last resort.

I'm also a believer in compression, I don't sleep in my pants but I do put them on right after an epic ride.
Diet/proper nutrition,& regular adjustments from my chiro keep my body aligned, & happy.