The glymphatic system seems to be linked to RLS. The glymphatic system was only recently discovered and it clears waste products from the Central Nervous System. Good sleep helps the waste clearance system, so hardly surprising that in RLS, our glymphatic systems aren't working as effectively as in healthy controls.Chicken and egg springs to mind.
At least there is research going on throughout the world, even though teaching and treatment remains poor.
Thank you for keeping us updated Jools - the fact that they are finding out more about RLS all the time keeps me moving forward positively in the world. - I know my body can’t cope with this level of disruption indefinitely however I feel sure that new approaches will be available soon and that by the time I’m in my 70s ( I’m 61 now) I will have some peace. Thank you again to you and others who tirelessly answer people’s queries on this site - xx
I would like some peace now. I have suffered from RLS since I was in my early forties. Now I am 81 and still have it. I take oxycodone for it as all the other medications stopped working. I am praying someone somewhere can find a cure. I so appreciate the update. Thank you.
Thanks for keeping us informed Jools. Depressing to think we need sleep for waste system clearance when sleep is a struggle!But there's always an upside...
"Research suggests that small amounts of alcohol may have a beneficial effect on glymphatic flow" 😃
I found this article on how to optimise the glymphatic system an easy read..
mommypotamus.com/glymphatic...
Wow, love this group. Thanks Joolsg that is really good info and as usual the catch-22 for RLS. Lack of sleep affects so much including my emotional stability.
The add on article from Amrob is the icing on cake.
Thanks everyone, I have a fresh cup of coffee to get started reading.
💩 and shot of spirits, easy sell for some that appreciate both.
Interesting stuff
Thanks so much Jools for the heads up and all the campaigning you do for our community.
Fantastic article and what amazing research. I also followed the link to Hormone Balance by Sarah Gottfried, which has stunning reviews. Do read this. Wonderful site… where would we be without us all helping each other???
Thank you for this link. This brain washing process is described in Matthew Walkers excellent book “Why we Sleep” along with many other essential benefits of sleep on memory, cognition, dementia, creativity, immune system. The list is endless and it should be in every Doctors mind when they hear “not sleeping well” because it potentially signals a whole host of other issues the NHS May end up having to deal with. I‘ve heard a few people say that one of the solutions for the NHS is to shift to proactivity to prevent people getting ill rather than treat them when they do and this is a classic example.
Call me a grump and a grouch but I don't believe the NHS will ever shift, there's less money ensuring people are well and healthy - there's tons once they're sick.
Humanity at all levels from the individual to the large organizations seem really poor at working to prevent problems. In addition to prevention of health issues, other examples include climate change and pandemics.
Oooooh, don't get me started! My legs and my mouth will be jumping around at this! 
Totally agree.
Like @Munroist said this appears to be linked to the 'washing' process. Which from my N of 1 experience makes sense. I have to sleep upright due to chronic reflux, when upright my legs are worse. If I lie flat, my legs calm down (not entirely!) but my reflux disturbs my sleep.
Something else I'm wondering is if simple massage would help with the lymphatic system. The lymphatic being connected to the glymphatic.
Yep. I do lymphatic drainage massage for Long Covid. Some great YouTube videos out there. It definitely makes a difference to my damaged left sinus.
Ooooh, really?! Yes, I'm quite sure I have LC. Any recommendations for vids? I'll take a look for some now, thanks so much for the heads up!
I can't copy the link, but look up 'lymphatic drainage massage for Long Covid'.A you tube ad appears. The woman who does the videos is called Kelly, a cancer therapist.
She shows a really good, simple technique to clear the lymphatic pathways and it definitely has helped reduce my left sinus congestion, caused by Covid.
Is it sad to say I'm excited about this? I don't care - I'm excited about this! Ta muchly. Will give this a go.
I would not go down the alcohol rabbit hole AT ALL - booze in any amount has no therapeutic value. They used mice in the study! After a lifetime of drinking I'm 10 months sober - better thinking, better writing, better speaking and better sleeping!
I didn’t give up drinking, it gave up on me. I struggled and tried for years. One of the, cough, benefits of RLS is I get “hangxiety” if I drink. I really never have more than one beer.
It’s been this way about a year before I was diagnosed. RLS and drinking for me just don’t mix well.
Congratulations on your 10 months. Enjoy your day!
Thank you for keeping us informed of relevant research! It gives one hope.
thank you for sharing this interesting information!
MSG - RLS link? Take a look at this once. 
RLS linked to Plantar Fasciitis 
