Hi. I’m new to the group and am looking for advice please.
For a while I have what I believe to be restless legs. When I’m asleep I keep bending my legs up and down which wakes my husband and also wakes me up too. I’ve also worn holes in a few sheets where I slide my legs!!
I’m just wondering if there is anything I can do - before I run out of bed sheets!!
Many thanks
Jane
It's not rls if it happens when you are asleep. More likely PLMD.
Same problem for the sheets though.
If it's the toenails causing the problem, try wearing socks?
Or a weighted blanket?
Or thicker PJs?
I'll leave Raffs to suggest the rubber sheet/blanket!! I don't know much about that sort of carry on! 😅
Good luck.
You have Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, PLMD. People with RLS often have PLMD. It's not so common to have PLMD in its own. So you may have RLS as well.
It only usually occurs when you're asleep. If you slept in your own, you might not know, except in your case, the holes. Big mice?
It does however reduce sleep quality, so you may have some symptoms of sleep deprivation.
If your PLMD gets really bad, there's treatment. It's more or less the same as for RLS. It's best to avoid that, though, if you can. If you go for that, best to see a neurologist.
In the meantime, try keeping the bedroom cooler. I found heat triggers it. Try wearing bed socks..
I can't imagine rubber sheets are very comfortable!
Also try putting a bolster down the middle of the bed.
Find out as much as you can about RLS and PLMD. Share what you learn with your husband.
My first wife used to get angry with me. She thought I was deliberately kicking her. It wasn't the only reason we got divorced.
Thank you. I do have some of the symptoms of RLS also - I get horrible feelings in my legs and have to move them. I will look further into the two issues and to be honest I’d never heard of PLMD so that is new to me.
The issue with the sheet is pretty irritating and could prove expensive too. My husband is understanding, he tells me that I’ve been doing my Olympic running again but it must frustrate him as he has to get up early.
Once again thanks
Jane
Janey, there is an 80% chance of someone with RLS having PLMS as well. So it is entirely possible you have both.
Does anyone else in your family have this? If it is inherited, it is a neurological condition of parts of the brain which govern movement. It worsens slowly over time. May we ask how old you are? (It usually starts to bite badly in the forties, although if it is familial you will probably be able to trace it back to a fidgety childhood).
First things first, check your ferritin levels - if it is inherited, then you are unable to store brain-iron, and that causes all sorts of problems down the line.
If you are using any kind of artificial sweetener, stop right now. This is the reason many people develop restless legs. It definitely was for me. If this is the cause for you, it will take several months to disappear. Get used to life without sweetener or go back to sugar and honey. It is worth it! I wish you luck.
Hi Jane and welcome from all of us,you really need to visit yr dr with yr husband so he can put his point across as well,and give yr dr all the info you have on yourself and about yr rls..and then you can try and get the ball rolling for medication but like all of us I will tell you there is no cure at the moment but certain people on certain meds can get some rest at least if not only for a while..but you must tell yr dr asap..hope you can get something at least and remember not all meds work for all people
Thanks
Hmm not sure on this one. Maybe try wetting your legs with cold water & maybe lying on top of your sheets rather than in them
I used to do the same. I was diagnosed with PLMD. I was given Ropinirole. It worked for me. First se your GP. Get referred to a specialist for a sleep study. This is important so do it asap. All the best. Good luck.
I forgot to say, go see your doctor and discuss whether to see a neurologist or a sleep specialist. PLMD or PLMS (Periodic Limb Movement when Sleeping) are movement disorders rather than sleep disorders strictly speaking.
It does sound as if you would benefit from medication. However, be careful. When I first saw a neurologist, I was in a terrible state and was so relieved that there was a treatment that I started taking it without any reservation.
Medications can not be taken without some consequences, especially those for RLS and PLMD. Find out as much as you can about whatever medication your'e prescribed, side effects and long term consequences.
I sleep alone due to RLS. I kick all night too.
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