RLS related to Core Body Temperature (CBT) and RLS related to Skin Surface Temperature (SST)

[Isle-of-Axholme]

Hi everybody this is my first post. I would like to ask if anyone has had any experience of RLS being affected by Core Body Temperature (CBT) and RLS being affected by Skin Surface Temperature (SST).

During the summer heatwave I found that if my CBT went above 36.5C then my RLS started and then I had to take action to cool my body down. If my CBT falls below 35.3C then my RLS starts. My CBT can fall as low as 34C. I then have to take action by going for a very hot shower to lift my CBT to be in the range 35.3C and 36.5C and the RLS stops.

When my Skin Surface Temperature (SST) goes cold in my arms and legs then my RLS starts and my only remedy is to go for a very hot shower to lift my SST and then the RLS stops.

Any experience anyone has in these areas would be most welcome and any possible cures or remedies. Thanks.

[Hidden]

I “believe” that there is somewhat of a relationship between body temperature and RLS. I believe it’s a known fact that fever causes a greater release of dopamine. I didn’t have any RLS while I had a low grade Covid fever. As we age our CBT goes down. That might be ONE factor leading to worsening of RLS as we age. 1/2 of a point may not sound like much, but when it comes to body temperature it may mean the world. 98.6 is exactly the point where pathogenic candida fungus returns to its non pathogenic yeast form. In general, 98.6 seems to be right where a lot of internal critters are kept in check. It seems like an avenue worth looking into in terms of RLS. Any ideas how to raise and maintain CBT.?

[Isle-of-Axholme in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. I did not know that CBT goes down with age. This may explain why my RLS has got worse over the last 3 years. I have just turned 80 years old. Please could you add more explanation about pathogenic candida fungus as I confess my ignorance on the subject. My methods of trying to maintain CBT as near to 37C are to wear clothes with as much wool content in them as possible, 'cool cotton' is no good, put on extra layers of clothing and take very hot showers. Nothing that is a 'eureka' moment.

[Hidden in reply to Isle-of-Axholme]

Nah, don’t worry about Candida albicans - it’s a micro-organism that causes oral thrush, vaginal yeast infections and usually what brings about the demise of people with AIDS. It’s very opportunistic but also an essential part of our microbiome. The important fact is that scientists discovered that 98.6 is the body temperature that keeps this bad boy in check. And 98.6 is probably the temperature where our lousy dopamine receptors function best.

The best part of Covid was the fact that in the first few days my RLS was non-existent, maybe a little longer even. I only had a low grade fever yet I truly believe that is what made the difference in terms of my RLS. What a pleasure not having to take anything for it - meaning iron. My temperature is rarely above 98. I know of no way to naturally and consistently maintain a body temperature of 98.6. I believe traditional Chinese medicine looks at foods and herbs as either introducing heat or cold into the body. And for certain conditions Chinese practitioners will want you to take heat inducing substances while for other conditions they want cooling ones. There are drugs that can induce fever, along with a host of side effects, so probably best to avoid those and go for a more natural approach.

[Graham3196 in reply to Hidden]

Somewhere in the back of my mind I remember that traditional chinese medicine has been badly translated so the terms heat and cold are not literally hot and cold but I'll be blowed if I can remember the explanation! That's not much use is it?

[Hidden in reply to Graham3196]

I’ll do some research.

[SueJohnson in reply to Hidden]

Covid causes an inflammatory response and that results in a ferritin increase so for many people that is why RLS symptoms go down.

[ChrisColumbus]

Interesting. I simply find that if I get too warm RLS can start, and only cooling myself down will stop it. I've never experienced it starting if I get too cool, although I've seen others reporting that.

[Isle-of-Axholme in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Thanks for your reply. My whole life is controlled by my CBT and SST and trying to maintain them as high as possible to prevent RLS kicking in. I would like to understand how the human body controls our CBT and whether anything can go wrong with the control mechanism.

[Mipilimi in reply to ChrisColumbus]

Yes!! If it gets to warm in bed, the RLS starts to kick in!

Terrible, don’t no how other people manage this…? Any suggestions?🙏

[Hidden]

Greetings, Isle-of-Axholme. Speaking for myself (as a youthful "senior citizen" whose normal temperature is now ~97 F), I too have experienced the effect of temperature on RLS. But in my case, the "core body temperature" doesn't seem relevant. Rather, the correlation appears to be between the coldness of my feet and RLS. Concurrent with cold feet, the range of motion in my ankles becomes limited and my calve muscles become tight. [This limitation of range of motion and tightness in calve muscles during episodes of RLS were the bases upon which an orthopedic surgeon recommended that "stretching" would help to relieve RLS.]

Though I am not sure whether the cold feet is a cause rather than a symptom of RLS, the cold feet, limited range of motion of my ankles, tightness in calves, and RLS all are relieved by a hot bath. Clearly, therefore, there is some temperature component. Be well.

[Isle-of-Axholme in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. It is interesting that you share about your cold feet. I find that if my CBT goes below 35C then my feet go cold and are difficult to get warm again to overcome the RLS. I have a foot warmer boot which is effective in warming up the feet. I also use heated socks if I need my feet warming up while on the move. Thank you for your good wishes regarding my health.

[Hidden in reply to Isle-of-Axholme]

And thank you, Isle-of-Axholme for your kind reply. Though I favor traditional (non-electric) route. Last week I treated myself to a spur-of-the-moment expensive pair of "maximum warmth" socks that I saw hanging on a new display at a local supermarket. Well, you know what they say about a fool and his money!

I paid ~$20 and took the pair home. At home, I anxiously washed by hand and then fluff-dried. Alas, 'twas not to be. Shortly after donning, I experienced my all-too-typical allergic reaction. And no warmer than cotton anyway. Into the trash they went.

Be well.

[RCHD]

I agree. Both very hot and very cold can create rls. I will share this with my husband thank you.

[Graham3196]

How do you measure CBT?

[Isle-of-Axholme in reply to Graham3196]

I measure my CBT with a digital thermometer under my tongue.