Driving a car.: Bit of advice needed... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Driving a car.

restless1973 profile image
11 Replies

Bit of advice needed please. Although i hold a license, i havnt driven since being diagnosed with rls. I do tend to nod off when my brain isnt stimulated. Would it be advisable to not drive. Does any1 else have this problem :-S

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restless1973 profile image
restless1973
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11 Replies

I cant tell you what to do, but from my own experience, i gave up driving because i was either to sleep deprived or my meds made me too sleepy. It was my choice to give it up as i didnt feel safe driving, not from nodding of, but i didnt feel alert enough.

restless1973 profile image
restless1973 in reply to

Thank you Elisse. Hearing that has helped me make a decision that needed sorting :-) x

VinceFW profile image
VinceFW

If you are in the UK, you should contact DVLA as daytime sleepiness is one if the conditions they list. Failure to do so can result in a £1000 fine and invalid insurance if you have an accident.

christalblue profile image
christalblue

Restless 1937

I have restless legs also Since I was 30 I am now 70 With many other medical problems.

I can remember telling my Dr. I would like him to remove my legs

He thought I was joking .I had it so bad I couldn't sleep I usr to roll up in a ball and rock myself And yes I had fallen asleep while driveing and God forbid with my grand babys in the carI just woke up as we were approching a red light I was in the oncoming lane of trafick!!

God must have been with me . Normally there is a lot of cars going down this road !!

By a merical there was no on coming traffic I did stop driving for a while

But than I was put on a script called pramippexole formaly Mirapex They didn't stop it But helped quite a bit .I aslo had to make sure I took a nape Before I would get in my car and drive Hope this helps .

restless1973 profile image
restless1973 in reply tochristalblue

Hi that must have been very scary for you. Ive found the answer to it, ime putting my wife through her driving lessons.

Hi restless 1973, love your idea for your wife having driving lessons. Hope she passes first time...!! Just make sure you dont become a back seat driver.....when she is driving you around... :P

restless1973 profile image
restless1973 in reply to

Ime more concerned bout roadrage, on her part. Not the most patient of people ;-)

Ooooo, watched a programme on roadrage last night. Just hold on tight in that passenger seat....!! I am sure your wife will be fine, will be good that you can get to where you need too. Keep us informed... :)

restless1973 profile image
restless1973 in reply to

Just gutted that i cant drive now. With my compensation frm a work accident i were going to buy a nissan juke. But i spose i can get a real good mountain bike instead ;-) x

Think of the exercise by using the bike, could be helpful for your RLS, as long as you dont over do it. Too much exercise can make RLS worse for some. For me, i can sit all day or walk the dog, if my RLS wants to play up it will, regardless of exercise or not. :)

restless1973 profile image
restless1973 in reply to

Same here. Had my meds and sm extra painkillers and my right leg is killing. Good job ive recorded sm d-day programmes cos i wont be getting any sleep :-( x

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