Refusing meds-using excercise instead

[Eve17]

I have RLS since 15 yrs and the past 2 yrs got worse. Last year I had a whole month without much sleep so that’s when I seeked help. Was only diagnosed then.

I also get restlesness in my back and arms and have periodic limb movements occasionaly. Since we are planning a family I refused taking meds. I also don’t believe in taking meds for life.

I was prescribed Iron as my levels were borderline and doc wanted to raise over 75 - I usualy have anemia. And the last months have been taking Magnesium buffered with L-taurine prescribed by my nutritionist. There has been slight inprovement in the nr of days/week that I get it- so it’s not as frequent. However i’ve changed my diet since 5 months and my sleeping habits, have a complete blackout room now which improved my sleep in general.

What I do is excercises before bed or if I wake up and have restlesness.

My excercises include (depending where I have restlessness) :

1) standing while holding with one hand something and doing quick repeating toe pushes for lower legs (50),

2) holding squat position for 10 slow breaths for the upper legs,

3) or knee push ups/ holding the position for my back/arms.

It’s the mini shaking muscle movements that help me. Sometimes I use muscle roller foam to massage my muscles.

I also change my position in bed if I still don’t manage to sleep or put my feet up the wall for 10-20 mins until they feel numb.

Using meditation apps like Buddhify helps to calm my mind down.

I realised that somehow when I change my environment (e.g. go on holiday) I have almost no RLS. Still trying to figure out if that is from reduced stress, not staring at TV or PC screens so much during holidays or change in diet. Does anybody experience the same?

Another thing I have is constant pain in my body and digestive issues - but thats probably another story...

[Hidden]

Hi!

Interesting approach! Good for you for staying away from medicines! I hate them myself, but unfortunately need them.

Thanks for outlining your exercises; I will need to try those!

I also find that changing positions in bed provides temporary relief — especially when I move onto my stomach.

I also find it easier to sleep when on vacation. I’m reading this book called «The Sleep Solution» by sleep specialist W. Chris Winter that offers an explanation for this. Winter says that the anxieties we have about our own bedroom disappear when we are in a new one. Interesting, isn’t it?

[Joolsg]

Hi,

I also find those type of exercises help. I do them every time I wake with RLS during the night. I do a number of exercises on the bed using a theraband as well.

Sadly, I still need heavy meds as well even though I take a shed load of supplements ( including L taurine and the theanine)

I followed a strict exclusion diet for over a year as well but it made no difference. When I started cheating a few months back by eating cookies/ cake and sugar my RLS actually improved. Probably the increase in dopamine from the pleasure of eating nice food again!

I think it’s fabulous that you’re managing without meds. You’ll find a lot of posts on here with useful tips on food/ supplements etc which people have found helpful.

I really hope it works and that your iron levels improve and you’re successful in starting a family.

Let us know how you get on.

Good luck

Jools

[Hidden]

People with RLS can have decent blood serum levels of iron but cannot store it in the brain to transport the dopamine - many of us on here take some gentle iron (in evening with OJ on an empty stomach) and get relief with it.

I notice my RLS changes on holiday - I can even have a couple of beers without much difficulty. I put it down in part to distraction of the new place plus I always take extra medication such as Kratom for night.

I wouldn't poo poo all drugs as some are very effective and are a lot easier than lying with your feet on the wall, (mind you before I got ME I would have spent my night working - painting or studying which although tiring worked well).

On the plus side when you get your new family at least if the kid doesn't sleep you can get up and pace with them

Good luck.

[taylord1984]

Some people without knowing are affected by electrical pollution. So I'm wondering if you live in a highly populated area and then go on quite holidays? Might be worth buying an negative ion generator(Ionisers) to test or if you got the money a balanced ion generator but they cost a bomb lol. If you do buy one make sure it is an Ionisers and not a ozone. Ozone can be harmful to us humans and you will find them being miss sold as Ionisers.

It's cool how your going drug free but not having any is a killer to me and I'm currently with out proper medication at the moment.

I like to point out tho that squats can be bad for your knees if not done right. Never let your knees go past your feet

[Crazyleggs]

I too sleep better on vacation. That’s so curious RLS is such a complex disease. I also find if I chew gum it helps relieve the RLS symptoms. And, I’ve just started the balancing on my toes and standing on one foot exercise, about a week ago, and its already helping. If possible, and with, my doctors help, I want to get off RLS meds. Entirely . The thought of the Dopamine agonist withdrawal is scary, but I have a new doctor who will gradually take me off Requip and monitor me closely so we will see what happens. There’s hope, even though we get discouraged.

Sleeping better- at least for now

Crazzy Leggs