Effects of stress on RLS

[Lapsedrunner]

I have been taking gabapentin (300) in the evening for a while now. Up until a few months ago this was working pretty well, if I woke it wasn’t for long.

Now I’m finding I can sometimes get uncomfortable in the evening and my sleep has really deteriorated...waking multiple times with achy restless legs and then not being able to sleep even when that settles!

The biggest change over this time is that I have been dealing with a very stressful life event. This is now on it’s way to resolution so I’m hopeful that there might be some improvement. Just wondering if others have found the same effect from periods of prolonged stress.

I’ve been reluctant to increase the medication as a change in my work life means that I can often get up later, but it is distressing to have reverted to poor sleep.. The other obvious change is a decrease in general exercise levels which I plan to reverse!

[Madlegs1]

That's very frustrating.You could try taking magnesium tablets. They can help with RLS, and sleep issues.

Any of the - ates are good.

Good luck.

[Lapsedrunner in reply to Madlegs1]

Thank you, good shout. I have some but don’t take regularly (will avoid 2hrs before/after medication though 😊)

[Lapsedrunner]

Tentative progress update!!

Thanks Madlegs for reminding me about Mg. I’ve been taking regular doses since then.

One of the things that I had previously noticed is that despite not sleeping well I just didn’t feel tired! However...a couple of days ago I felt shattered walking around the supermarket after a vaccinating shift, that evening I didn’t have the “on edge” feeling in my limbs in the evening that had become a feature. I fell asleep on the sofa, which I hadn’t done for ages and sleep was a bit better, awake for an hour maybe.

Last night...woke up briefly at 3am, not because of legs, then it was 8am!!

When I looked up magnesium it made sense...depleted by stress ✅ increased requirement with vit D supplementation ✅ depleted by coffee ✅ maybe increased requirement with HRT ✅ depleted by alcohol ✅

I know, it’s only one night but I haven’t slept that well for ages!

[LotteM in reply to Lapsedrunner]

Sounds like good news. I hope it keeps up. Sleep well. Better sleep also reduces stress levels. Why are there always such vicious circles?