This is for those of us who have sleep problems.

[lauraflora]

Which is probably a large portion of RLS people.

HOWEVER, not all sleep problems are caused by RLS, only exacerbated by RLS. (Case in point - People who do not have RLS also have sleep problems.) For instance, if your brain is low in serotonin, the most important of the brain neurotransmitters for sleep, then you will have great trouble sleeping/insomnia. If your brain is also low in Gaba, you will have racing thoughts that you can't turn off/anxiousness. Yes, RLS is one of the things that can make it all worse because when you can't sleep properly, your brain/body becomes weakened and has difficulty producing the neurotransmitters as it should. This then causes a self-perpetuating vicious circle of less and less of the good stuff produced/more and more insomnia, round and round we go. AND when this happens it turns ON too much cortisol and other stress hormones, which makes it all even worse.

There are a variety of reasons for being short on those neurotransmitters - illness, high stress, trauma, etc. What I am trying to say is that perhaps on here many of us have looked at RLS as being the only reason we have sleep problems, but I am finding out that that is not so. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter involved in the problems with RLS, but not with sleep problems. It is a feel good brain chemical and is exciting and arousing, not one to put you to sleep.

So, where have I gotten this information? From another great book I am recommending. (I am an avid reader!) I have read bits and pieces of this info in other books, but nowhere have I seen it explained so well as I have in THE MOOD CURE, by Julia Ross. This book explains the science of sleep, by explaining the brain chemicals involved in sleep. If one's brain chemicals are low, which you can tell just by reading the description, (there are questionnaires to fill out and chapters to read), the author tells you what to do about that, based on her successful practice using various amino acids. (Your brain uses them to make the neurotransmitters.)

The book covers other mood problems, but has a very good chapter on sleep problems, as they are so prevalent. I hope that those of you who have sleep problems will realize that it is not just RLS causing it, and take a look at this book for yourselves. It was an eye opener (or actually an eye closer - sleepy eye) for me.

[Joolsg]

Thanks for sharing that info. Yet again, I have been woken up by RLS. I am sure there is something in what you are saying. I have no problems falling asleep, but RLS always wakes me if I am not asleep deeply enough. I will be interested to see what amino acids would help. I already take so many supplements at different times, none of which seems to help. I thought Taurine, theanine etc would help, but they don't.

Off to read in the hope the RLS diminishes,

Night

[lauraflora in reply to Joolsg]

I got the book on Amazon, and could "look inside". Perhaps, if it is available for you this way, you can look inside and see some of the questionaires, and see if it strikes a chord with your own problems.

I can view things on Amazon UK, by the way, so you can probably view things on Amazon USA, if need be. ( Now I see that, tho the book is there, you can't "look inside.")

However, chapter 12 on sleep is not available to view on Amazon USA, but I recommend looking at people's reviews on the book. That is what I did. I came across mention of it some time ago, by accident, and when reading the reviews, I gained a lot of insight and went ahead and purchased it. I am very glad I did.

[Madlegs1]

Thanks for sharing , Lauraflora.

Just one little question- does the author have a sales range?

I am very suspicious of pseudoscientific theorists who hit on a recipe for a wonder cure and then offer for profit the self same cure.

Our medicine shelves are littered with their products. "Dr" G McK and P H are instances Ican think of.

Just my little quirk.😷

[lauraflora in reply to Madlegs1]

I understand. She tells you that you can get these aminos and things at any health food store and some drug stores (chemists, in Britain.) They are over- the -counter to purchase, meaning no prescription necessary. ( I know things are a bit different in Britain in the shops, as I have been there many times. I think you have a behind- the-counter section, as well.)

Yes, she does sell things, to her patients, but the clinic is in San Francisco.

BUT, first on her list of where to get supplements is "Your local health food store and some drug stores."

[Madlegs1 in reply to lauraflora]

Thanks. I'll have a look.😎

[ukmsmi4]

Hi lauraflora

That's absolutely right. Personally my 4 main conditions are ME, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome and functional neurological disorder. Probably in that order too in terms of how badly they affect me. But all four of them involve sleep issues. In fact there are quite a number of crossover symptoms, so it's sometimes difficult to tell which particular condition is flaring at any one time. Oh the joys!

Gentle hugs, Margaret.xxx 🤗🤗🤗

[lauraflora]

That sounds like an awful lot for one to bear! Hopefully something helps you . And yes, sleep issues seem to be a common thread with many health problems.