An overwhelming urge to stretch my legs at night

[neothix]

So, as the title says, I sometimes get an overwhelming urge to stretch my legs at night. It happened last night, and because of it, it took me a really long time to fall asleep. It also happens sometimes when I'm sitting through something boring (I tend to bob my legs then.)

I'd say the urge gets really bad at least once a week but most of the days the urge is mild (I also listen to music while sleeping to distract myself). Once the urge was so strong that I cried because I wanted to sleep. I'd also say that it's been happening for probably about a year, but I'm not 100% sure since it only recently got pretty bad. Do you think it's RLS or just something like growing pains? I want to go to the doctors to get it checked, but I'm 16 (female) and my parents don't think much of it. They so "It's fine, it's just your legs twitching." but they don't seem to acknowledge how often it happens?? My dad told me that it could just be happening because I'm not getting enough exercise, but that's not it. Yesterday I did jump ropes for ~30 mins and worked out almost vigorously for about an hour and yet my legs were awful last night (Not to mention when the symptoms first arose I was still pretty active with sports and all that).

Does anyone have any tips on how to ease the urge? Thank you!

[Hidden]

Have you checked the guidance on diagnosing RLS? I have had it my entire life - almost half a century at this stage and until I was in late 20's it was called growing pains!

RLS can be very distressing and life limiting and needs to be addressed. If you are in the position to be able to see a Dr then go. Worst case scenario (s)he will diagnose RLS, if you are lucky it will be something else. Take a look at this for some pointers:

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/rest...

When you are getting the pains/urge to move try some good hard yoga stretches, hot showers and putting your feet in cold water.

Also look at your diet - do you drink high caffeine drinks or take a lot of tea/coffee? If so cut them out ASAP and see if that helps. What way is your diet for Iron? Low iron can make things worse. Does the issue become worse during your period?

There is lots of info over on the RLS section of health unlocked and you would do well to take a stop over there and pick the brains of some spectacularly well informed individuals.

Too much exercise, particularly in the evening can make RLS symptoms worse so your father is a little bit off in his assessment. Considering most Drs know very little about RLS I don't think I'd take a whole heap of medical advice from your Dad (unless he is a fellow sufferer)!

I hope this helps.