From whole body RLS to once a week if that

[Gazleebryan]

(A bit long but i think this could help) I have suffered with this and ended up losing a job because of it. It really debilitating i couldn’t sit still or enjoy any aspect of my life. This was in 2012 and It has taken me until 2017 just to get to a point where I only have it in my legs a once or twice times a week if at all. I have managed to go weeks without my restless leg. After years of trying different meds I made life style changes and these are the things I changed in my life which really helped. This was trail and error for me plus I but start doing these actions until 2015 as the doctor said I had anxiety.

First of all I go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time everyday, weekend within an hour of a set time. I found this very hard at first but now I wake up at about 6 everyday. Try not to sleep during the day but I know this and sometime be hard, if you do have a sleep have 30min and then get up. This will refresh you a bit but will stop you feeling into a deep sleep.

Try to sleep no more than nine hours. There is research that states 7 hours is better than nine. Only use your bedroom for sleeping and sex, no mobiles, tv and remove alarm clocks that let you see the time. Not being able to sleep and clock watching causes stress which make RLS worst.

I have found that if I eat sugar, caffeine and artificial sweetener can make it worst. Try to eating your RDA of fibre and take some probiotics (if you have a high processed diet) A bit of a read about this rlcure.com/restless-legs-an...

I also do a relaxation technique called ‘progressive relaxation technique’ (anxietybc.com/sites/default.... This was hard for me at first to continue everyday however it showed me how tense I was. Within a week of doing these I started to feel more relaxed. How I do this in the morning and evening but also try to add another one in somewhere in my day.

Final exercise is great at helpping out, it’s doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym everyday. But I go for a walk for an hour, take in the natural scenery. Also every hour or so take three deep breathes in through the nose, hold for 30sec and and release slowly through the month, this help relax the body.

Oh I forget, I do a do to list every night an hour before bed this help with relaxing in bed, as strange as it sounds, it stops things running through my head, I was one for always having thing I need to do running through my head.

I how only get my restless legs at night, between midnight and 3am. I take tramodol which calms the nervous system down by blocking the signal between you brain and your spinal cord. Therefore this stops both the pain and urge to continue to move my legs. I also carry a few tramodol with me just in case I start to get them restless feeling back during the day, I think just having them with me help me to relax. For the first week of so with tramodol you may find it hard to sleep and I was give zopiclone for two week which help me get into a sleep pattern I mentioned earlier.

[Madlegs1]

That's a fantastic achievement. Just what has been advised here so often. I'm so glad you've got a programme of relative peace.

Long may it continue for you.

[Gazleebryan in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you, I know people feel it is never going to end but for those people, it does come to an end however it is a lifestyle change not a cure.

[Hidden]

Thanks for sharing this good advice!

[Gazleebryan in reply to Hidden]

You welcome, I know it can be overwhelming, the other thing i forgot to say I do take multivitamin as well. How I don’t take them every day because I it can be a waste money however I take them on the days I don’t feel 100% just to rule anything vitamin deficit, I have read a lot about RSL and one of the factors can be vitamin.

[Mona23]

I’m so happy this routine is working for you. A similar routine has not helped me in any way I can detect, but adding CBD may be starting to help. My goal is to be off Mirapex (.5x4/day), hopefully with a combination of CBD and incorporating a soothing, low stress/fluidly managed stress attitude in my life.

[Gazleebryan in reply to Mona23]

What is CBD?

[nightdancer]

That is called go sleep hygiene.

[nightdancer]

as for me, I have been doing all of this for 28 yrs. BUT, if I do not have my meds, it is meaningless for me. I wish it would work for everyone, and tramadol is a huge help.

[Gazleebryan in reply to nightdancer]

Tramadol is great for my restless legs, I know what you mean about having to take the meds if, I don't take the tramadol my legs start hurting a bit and then by 1am I can't stay still. I do find it hard some morning to get out of bed, especially if I have been dreaming a lot or at least remember them. The doctor says that it could be a bit of withdrawal from the Tramadol, just force myself to get up.