Sleepless in Surrey: Stress so much a... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

22,325 members16,389 posts

Sleepless in Surrey

Smiffyliz profile image
7 Replies

Stress so much a part of this syndrome. We have to drive to Scotland at weekend for a family do and the last few nights I have been up with legs and also butterflies in tummy. Thought the CBD was working a bit but I so anxious it doesn’t stand a chance. Think I just need to take extra painkillers in middle of night and ride it out till after Christmas

Thank goodness some good plays to listen to on bbc radio I player. My eyes get too tired to read or do puzzles. I try to tell myself it doesn’t matter if I am awake. If only these worms under my skin would go to sleep

Written by
Smiffyliz profile image
Smiffyliz
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
7 Replies
Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

Stress is definitely a trigger. I'm up with the wriggly legs at 5 am despite oxycontin & pregabalin. I still get RLS nearly every night but manage to fit in enough sleep eventually.

Hope you manage to get some sleep over the Christmas period.

Smiffyliz profile image
Smiffyliz in reply toJoolsg

Thank you. God bless

It is a truly dreadful condition, Smiffy. I really feel for you. Like Jules, I experience it most nights and I don’t know what I’d do without my audiobooks. Usually I manage to use something in my arsenal of drugs to get a few hours sleep but it’s so unpredictable. Sometimes the legs seem impervious to everything and I feel like a total zombie the next day. Other nights a very small dose affords peaceful rest.

You might find the drive goes better than you anticipate. There will be distractions and you can always stop and take a break if it becomes intolerable. Fingers crossed for you.

Neil46 profile image
Neil46

Yes, I agree, stress is definitely a trigger so make sure you are well prepared with packing early and everything is organised with no last minute panics. Have you got a player or a tablet or something to play audiobooks? As involuntary dancer has said these provide good distraction when you get into the story.

If possible keep the car well ventilated but not cold or too hot and take regular walk-breaks. As you might imagine I have the same problem and am now better in a car but i have a trip to Germany planned. The plane is always crammed so I am hoping my pregabalin will see me through (together with music in my earphones).

Have a good time in Scotland but be wary of the whisky :)

Best Wishes

Neil

Smiffyliz profile image
Smiffyliz in reply toNeil46

Don’t drink sadly doesn’t agree with me. I am always packed days ahead and traveling doesn’t bother me but hubby leaves everything till last minute and never leaves home till mid afternoon. He doesn’t like driving in the dark so I will have to take over when we get off motorway. That is what stresses me. He had prostate cancer and there is a positive in that as we now need to take toilet breaks where we used to not stop

No chance of ventilation as he smokes all the way and likes heater full on. Thankfully my legs don’t usually bother me in the car so I will probably nod off

Home circumstances main cause of my stress

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey

Yep anxiety definately makes it worse.Lotsof love to everyone struggling with this challenging disease.x

Neil46 profile image
Neil46

Smiffyliz, in that case I hope you do nod off in the car and have a safe trip when you take over the driving. I understand; sounds like 50/50 would do you better.

I hope also you have a good break and can relax a bit.

Best Wishes

Neil

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Sleepless in California

I've been taking pramipexole for about 2 years and I've always suspected that it's causing me...
Rlskid profile image

Sleepless in Michigan

Hi, my name is Shirley and I just joined this forum in hopes togethelo for RLS. I CMGFL exhausted ....
Smaslow profile image

Sleepless nights

Hi, I'm Elaine, I'm new to the site, I have been diagnosed rls by a neurologist they are saying it...
Eayoung profile image

Sleepless Barb

I've suffered w restless leg for years, but it's getting worse & Im feeling desperate. I've tried...
Barb574 profile image

Sleepless night :(

Hi everyone, I havent visited here for a while and I feel a bit guilty that I only come here when...
lainey2465 profile image

Moderation team

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.