I always wake up 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours after I go to sleep. This means I always wake up in the middle of the night, get up and take another levodopa pill, go back to sleep, then wake up again come morning and take another levodopa pill. My problem is that each time I wake up, I have a lot of pain in the sides of both upper legs (I sleep only on my sides, not on my back). I don't turn over when I'm asleep. It's not that I can't turn over, it just that I don't. I think that's the reason I develop the pain - I just sleep too long in one position. I think it's beginning to damage the nerves and muscles in my legs. Does anyone else have this problem, and have you found anything that helps?
(There was a time when I was having a couple of charlie horses every night in my lower legs while asleep. I started rubbing a magnesium gel on my legs just before going to bed, and that did away with most of the charlie horses. However, the magnesium gel leaves a bit of a residue on the skin, so I stopped using it. The charlie horses never came back, but the pain in the upper legs has recently gotten started.)
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HeartSong
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I usually wake about 2 hours after going to bed. The pain from my hips down my legs wakes me. After reading your post, I have realise that I also don't turn over in bed either. I suffer from damage to my spine for which I get injections. These wear off quite quickly so I rely on painkillers. Sorry, that I cannot be more help. I would love a good nights sleep.
Heartsong,
I know exactly what you mean! I have the same problem! I do drink a lot of water before bed and therefore I make frequent trips to the bathroom. I then change my position in bed and sometimes this helps. Other times not so much.
Unfortunately, I have not found a solution, other than naps during the day in an attempt to make up the lack of night sleep. I wish I knew the answer and could advise! Inconsistencies in having PD is the one constant I am certain of.
M_rosew, here's Wikipedia's definition of a Charley horse (I misspelled it in my original post): "Charley horse is a popular colloquial term in Canada and the United States for painful spasms or cramps in the leg muscles."
Many people think of a Charley horse as one of those very painful muscle spasms you get in your calm muscles upon first awakening but before you get out of bed. They will bring you out of bed really fast, because often, when you stand up and put weight on your foot, the pain will stop.
I have pain when I lay on my side to sleep, however now finding that I can't turn over in bed , always wake up and have to sit up to turn. Does anyone else have this problem, I find it really tiresome.
I had also this terrible problem ; difficulty in rolling over in bed and frequent cramps in legs and calf muscle , now it has greatly reduced and I get good night sleep. i take only Ayurveda products. Himalaya Wellness from Himalaya Drug Company Bangalore INDIA , FDA approved products, available online.
Yes, since 2010. I am managing with Ayurvedic Meds; Kappi Kachhu ( Indian Mucana - natural L-Dopa) and Ashwagandha, Yoga, Exercise, Walking, Cycling, Pranayama ( Breathing exercise). With 1.5 TBS of Kappikachhu, I get nearly 2.5 Hrs of ON Time , I take it only 3 times per day. During OFF Time, I am still able to manage myself, but yes with some limitations & functional difficulties.
By the grace of God ; I can still drive car , scooter , ride bicycle on public roads to nearby work ( Banks, post office, vegetable market, grocery shops etc ) / Gym-cycle with rowing cross bar for 30 Min in the after noon , 2 Kms walking in the morning & evening , regular 13 Surya Namaskara & stretching Yoga ( one Hr each ) during early morning and evening. But becomes stiff ; by evening 4.00 PM onward ; so I sleep - off , by 9.30 PM ; wake up 4.15 AM to free exercise & yoga ; then I will be more normal.
Evening and Morning walk I do during OFF time, with both hands raising up & bringing it down as swiftly as possible and also alternatively hitting hard soft squeeze ball on to ground and catching with other hand, all-through walking & some times I throw up the ball and catch. These activities helps; eye movements, brain, hands, reflex action, balance...
I am currently experiencing following problems ; .
> Left Hand tremor when I am under stress , left palm & fingers pain
> Rolling in the Bed is bit difficult, but better than before
> Walking & other activities are slow during "OFF" time.
> Some times I get cramps/ catch at foot base, toes ,calf muscle, better than before
Yes, I'm under guidance of Ayurvaidic Neuro Dr. Kapikachhu is Indian raw mucana. Ashwagandha is wonderful herb, it's very effective for PD , please Google for more information
I get a pain in the ear I'm lying on because I don't turn over! I used to get a pain in my shoulder and/or my hip, but we solved this when we changed our mattress. When I wake with a pain I just turn over and it soon fades .
I too have difficulty turning in bed. One recommendation or suggestion is use satin sheets. Before purchasing satin sheets i tired satin pj's and and they have helped. You could try this.
I have also found satin pj's to be very helpful. I did try the sheets first, but my poor husband found them too slippery! I have to be careful not to slip off the bed when I am getting in or out. But they make turning over so much easier! It turns out you can get pretty inexpensive satin pjs on line. They don't have to be silk.
Hi there. I am not a Dr. but dont take levodopato sleep. take an Ipubprofin pm and that should help with pain and sleeping. Turning in bed is a problem but not the worst thing that can happen. I was diagnosed in 04. I have leg cramps also but I take the ipubprofin pm for that. You must take the semenet 4 times a day at 4hr intervals. 8--12---4----and8. It will work so much better for you. Cathy
I didn't realise others have this problem too. I don't turn over either while I'm asleep. I only change sides when I get up to use the the bathroom every 2 or three hours and I always feel stiff and uncomfortable. Finally between 3:30am and 4am I feel so miserable lying in bed I just get up and start my day.
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