My DH has it, I can count every 30 seconds and he will kick his legs, this happens until he falls asleep...drives me nuts
But I can't complain too much because he used to snore, now he's lost 30 lbs and no more snoring
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Restless leg syndrome?
- Thread starter myrage
- Start Date
I have restless legs, not all the time, THANK GOD, because it sucks, it makes me want to skin myself alive! There is nothing that makes you feel comfortable... I need to shake my legs, walk around, and no way I can sleep I hate it. For some reason Tylenol PM seems to trigger it for me
weird...
These involuntary moving of the legs some of you are describing - those I get all the time, sometimes I wake up from it
.
I guess I am a weirdo
These involuntary moving of the legs some of you are describing - those I get all the time, sometimes I wake up from it
I guess I am a weirdo
wow! Confusing. I have "leg movement disorder", the one while sleeping. I believe that is the "offical" name for it. I have apnea too and wear a cpap which lessens it (w/o meds) believe it or not. The med is needed too though and in theory I am to take it every night but the side effects from that were horrid for me. In my mind rls and lmd are the same (?) but the sleep doc is never interested in rls symptoms if I am awake. I complained the rls was getting worse and he said how would I know if I was asleep? If you are awake it doesnt count. (confusing!)
Do you have leg movements (I assume uncontrolled) while you are awake? (??)
No, fortunately I don't have RLS or any variant of PLMD. I do have borderline sleep apnea (some sleep studies say I have it, others say I don't, it goes back and forth), but I don't use my machine because honestly I think it is the worst contraption ever designed. I almost want to buy a ticket to Australia, track down Professor Colin Sullivan (who invented the concept of positive airway pressure) and in the middle of the night strap one of those fighter-jet pilot type masks to his face and say, "How do you like it?!"
First you've got the masks, which are always uncomfortable and I've bought several. Either you're shoving things up your nostrils, or you're an F-16 pilot. Either way, you have straps pulling at your hair and scalp, and escaping air from the mask blowing into annoying places like your eyes. Additionally, people with sleep apnea aren't supposed to sleep on their back, but how else can you possibly sleep? You've got a cheap plastic tube that was probably made in China at a total cost of $0.50 but that the medical companies charge $75 for and is always too short to be able to move around, so you have to get another tube that is special-order and longer that costs even more than the first. Second, you've got the positive pressure, so if you swallow or yawn, it gets redirected through your eustachian tube and starts blowing air through your ears and sometimes your ears pop as a result. Then you've got the drymouth. Ok, so that can be fixed with a humidifier attachment. However, if you enjoy turning down the A/C at night to make it a a little cool if not chilly you get a nice surprise around 3 AM when the condensation from the humidifier has finally accumulated in the portion of the hose laying on the ground to the point that it obstructs the air-flow, so it gets launched like one of those high power water fountain nozzles at the Bellagio Resort in Vegas and you get a shot of water up your nose to wake you up startled and subsequently P/O'd. What a joke. I'm supposed to get better sleep all strapped up with air blowing in my eyes and popping my ears, unable to move because of the hose, and getting my nose pressure cleaned every morning? Yeah, it's wonderful.
On the other hand, if it works for you and others, that's wonderful. I just personally hate it myself.
First you've got the masks, which are always uncomfortable and I've bought several. Either you're shoving things up your nostrils, or you're an F-16 pilot. Either way, you have straps pulling at your hair and scalp, and escaping air from the mask blowing into annoying places like your eyes. Additionally, people with sleep apnea aren't supposed to sleep on their back, but how else can you possibly sleep? You've got a cheap plastic tube that was probably made in China at a total cost of $0.50 but that the medical companies charge $75 for and is always too short to be able to move around, so you have to get another tube that is special-order and longer that costs even more than the first. Second, you've got the positive pressure, so if you swallow or yawn, it gets redirected through your eustachian tube and starts blowing air through your ears and sometimes your ears pop as a result. Then you've got the drymouth. Ok, so that can be fixed with a humidifier attachment. However, if you enjoy turning down the A/C at night to make it a a little cool if not chilly you get a nice surprise around 3 AM when the condensation from the humidifier has finally accumulated in the portion of the hose laying on the ground to the point that it obstructs the air-flow, so it gets launched like one of those high power water fountain nozzles at the Bellagio Resort in Vegas and you get a shot of water up your nose to wake you up startled and subsequently P/O'd. What a joke. I'm supposed to get better sleep all strapped up with air blowing in my eyes and popping my ears, unable to move because of the hose, and getting my nose pressure cleaned every morning? Yeah, it's wonderful.
On the other hand, if it works for you and others, that's wonderful. I just personally hate it myself.
My antidepressant helps with the RLS.
Funny - my restless leg started after I began taking anti-depressants. Once I stopped, so did the RLS. I tried a couple of different types of medication, too - same result.
I am always amazed at how the same medication can affect different people in sometimes drastically different ways.
Funny - my restless leg started after I began taking anti-depressants. Once I stopped, so did the RLS. I tried a couple of different types of medication, too - same result.
I am always amazed at how the same medication can affect different people in sometimes drastically different ways.
I haven't read all that far into the responses, but from what I understand, RLS is when you cannot control what your legs are doing, especially at night. I move my legs constantly when I am sitting and awake but I do that intentionally. I could stop if I want to - for me it is a nervous habit, but one I have adopted because I have essential tremors (inherited shaking) and I will shake. So, moving my feet and hands hides the tremors so persons do not ask me why I am shaking. I just look like I am nervous.Originally Posted by MyRage
For me I would call it more subconcious (OMG SP?) then involentary. I don't realize I am doing it, and I can stop it and NOT do it as long as I am thinking about it. As soon as I am relaxed and my mind is on something else, there they go, rubby lovey on each other, I swear my feet are in love with each other.
I like to have a blanket between my legs when I sleep (I sleep on my sides) but I MUST have my feet touching, skin to skin.
Be safe.
Anyway, RLS is uncontrollable as per the definitions I have read. I don't know what to do about it, but good luck.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #27
The nurses here thought I might have it cuz i liked the leg compression thingies. People with rls do. I told them I didn't, then looked it up and knew I didn't. One suggested it was a mild form of it, if that is true, it would have to be the most mild form possible!! LoL
I really don't think I have it, especially after reading up on it, and the posts here. I feel horrible for those who do, it sounds horrid!!
pardon the reverberation if this has been mentioned already, but I only just found out -
Zolpidem (brand names Ambien and Ambien CR in the US, but marketed under other names in other countries for those of you not in US - is being used with some success to treat RLS off-label.
On top of that, since going generic, it's cheap (unless you wanted the CR controlled release version, in which you're out of luck for generics. All the docs I've spoken to have told me that Ambien CR only exists as a way for Sanofi-Aventis to keep selling brand name Ambien in a patented form that they can charge more than generics for).
Ambien for RLS... I never knew.
Zolpidem (brand names Ambien and Ambien CR in the US, but marketed under other names in other countries for those of you not in US - is being used with some success to treat RLS off-label.
On top of that, since going generic, it's cheap (unless you wanted the CR controlled release version, in which you're out of luck for generics. All the docs I've spoken to have told me that Ambien CR only exists as a way for Sanofi-Aventis to keep selling brand name Ambien in a patented form that they can charge more than generics for).
Ambien for RLS... I never knew.
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HAVE RLS!! IT SUCKS! Sorry,but it does.It is the worst thing/feeling I've ever had.
My legs throb,ache,tingle,and are always on the move at night in the bed.
I'm on 2mg of Requip right now.I am going to get my dose higher! I'm also going to talk to my Dr about another medication--as the Requip just isn't working anymore for me.
I would NEVER wish this on anyone.
My legs throb,ache,tingle,and are always on the move at night in the bed.
I'm on 2mg of Requip right now.I am going to get my dose higher! I'm also going to talk to my Dr about another medication--as the Requip just isn't working anymore for me.
I would NEVER wish this on anyone.
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It really is amazing. I guess that's why there are so many choices! I love Wellbutrin, my sister hated it. My other sister loved Zoloft, I hated it.
My RLS will hit anytime. day or night. I can be sitting at the computer and it will start.
But, like I said, when I am on the Wellbutrin it's very mild or not at all.
As for taking Ambien for it, I wouldn't want to do that. That's a sleeping pill. Sleeping pills are addictive. That means the longer you take it, the more you need. That's too scary for me.
Sounds miserable. I've been diagnosed with mild/moderate sleep apnea, but haven't gotten the machine yet.Originally Posted by LawGuy
No, fortunately I don't have RLS or any variant of PLMD. I do have borderline sleep apnea (some sleep studies say I have it, others say I don't, it goes back and forth), but I don't use my machine because honestly I think it is the worst contraption ever designed. I almost want to buy a ticket to Australia, track down Professor Colin Sullivan (who invented the concept of positive airway pressure) and in the middle of the night strap one of those fighter-jet pilot type masks to his face and say, "How do you like it?!"
First you've got the masks, which are always uncomfortable and I've bought several. Either you're shoving things up your nostrils, or you're an F-16 pilot. Either way, you have straps pulling at your hair and scalp, and escaping air from the mask blowing into annoying places like your eyes. Additionally, people with sleep apnea aren't supposed to sleep on their back, but how else can you possibly sleep? You've got a cheap plastic tube that was probably made in China at a total cost of $0.50 but that the medical companies charge $75 for and is always too short to be able to move around, so you have to get another tube that is special-order and longer that costs even more than the first. Second, you've got the positive pressure, so if you swallow or yawn, it gets redirected through your eustachian tube and starts blowing air through your ears and sometimes your ears pop as a result. Then you've got the drymouth. Ok, so that can be fixed with a humidifier attachment. However, if you enjoy turning down the A/C at night to make it a a little cool if not chilly you get a nice surprise around 3 AM when the condensation from the humidifier has finally accumulated in the portion of the hose laying on the ground to the point that it obstructs the air-flow, so it gets launched like one of those high power water fountain nozzles at the Bellagio Resort in Vegas and you get a shot of water up your nose to wake you up startled and subsequently P/O'd. What a joke. I'm supposed to get better sleep all strapped up with air blowing in my eyes and popping my ears, unable to move because of the hose, and getting my nost pressure cleaned every morning? Yeah, it's wonderful.
On the other hand, if it works for you and others, that's wonderful. I just personally hate it myself.
I work in a dental office and there's a few appliances we make for people that has helped their OSA (obstructive sleep apnea). One is the SomnoMed device. I've tried it and it worked...my issue was that after a few months, i became allergic to the plastic or whatever is used to make it. All of a sudden, I broke out in welts/blisters inside my mouth- my boss says she's never had anyone have the problem before me or since then, so it's probably just me. It's not going to be as effective as a cpap (about 90% as effective), but as we tell patients, it's better than the cpap that's collecting dust in the corner because you can't tolerate it and aren't wearing it. They can only be fitted by a dentist and sometimes are covered by insurance. You should see if there's a dentist in your area that does them.
Anyway, I do plan on at least trying the machine. I've heard stories like yours, but I also have friends/relatives who have it who say it's the best thing in their life...not an ideal situation to be in in the first place, but they wouldn't go back to life without it.
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I've been on Ambien for over 5 years now.I'm not addicted.......but do NOT get much sleep without it.
Ambien is non addictive. It is not a benzodiazepine like most sleeping pills. You can have rebound insomnia if you've taken it for a long time and stop, but that's not the same as addiction.
It's similar in some ways to a benzodiazepine, but it's actually a imidazopyridine. The molecular similarity is why medications used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines also reverse the effects of it, but its molecular difference accounts for why you don't go through withdrawal after you stop taking it. With many sleeping pills, like Valium for example (a true benzodiazepine), if you use it for any significant period of time (more than just a few days), and then stop you go through withdrawal symptoms like extreme anxiety, extreme insomnia, feeling agitated, and even some people can have a seizure.
The same can't be said for Ambien. If you stop it, your sleep problems will return (it wasn't intended as a permanent cure afterall) but you will have no withdrawal.
The generalization that sleeping pills are addictive just isn't true anymore. An even better example would be Rozerem. We've all seen the silly commercials on TV.
It's a melatonin receptor agonist. It's a totally different kind of sleeping pill that tackles sleep issues from a totally new angle. The beauty in it is its similarity yet difference compared to taking OTC melatonin. Regular melatonin supplements you can buy OTC will affect all of your body, and right now they're studying if taking them can worsen some autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rozerem on the other hand gives you the sleepy benefit of melatonin, without affecting anything else. Just like zolpidem, if you take it long enough and stop, you might rebound and have your old sleeping problems come back, but again - it's not addictive either. It's a great medication for people with delayed sleep phase syndrome. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything that I'm aware of for RLS. I only brought it up to dispute the categorical statement that sleeping pills are addictive, which maybe was true up until the late 80's, but certainly isn't true today.
That was more of an issue back when barbiturates were in style as sleeping pills, but then they switched to 'benzos which can be addictive, but aren't as bad as barbiturates. Then when the non-benzo alternatives came out, it totally nullified the notion that sleeping pills are all addictive. The only reason zolpidem is a controlled substance, is that it can be abused by taking way too much. The same thing can be said for the drug Lyrica, which is used for neuropathic pain. Theoretically, taking a massive amount could cause hallucinations, therefore they fear it has the potential for abuse, and it's a controlled substance. Schedule IV though. Almost the highest numbered category of schedule drugs (the higher the number, the less the chance of abuse, addiction, and danger). The list goes up to Schedule V, but V contains less entries than you can count fingers.
Note: I'm not a doctor. I'm just a guy who has dealt with illness, and particularly sleep problems for almost his entire life and has learned a few things along the way.
It's similar in some ways to a benzodiazepine, but it's actually a imidazopyridine. The molecular similarity is why medications used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepines also reverse the effects of it, but its molecular difference accounts for why you don't go through withdrawal after you stop taking it. With many sleeping pills, like Valium for example (a true benzodiazepine), if you use it for any significant period of time (more than just a few days), and then stop you go through withdrawal symptoms like extreme anxiety, extreme insomnia, feeling agitated, and even some people can have a seizure.
The same can't be said for Ambien. If you stop it, your sleep problems will return (it wasn't intended as a permanent cure afterall) but you will have no withdrawal.
The generalization that sleeping pills are addictive just isn't true anymore. An even better example would be Rozerem. We've all seen the silly commercials on TV.
It's a melatonin receptor agonist. It's a totally different kind of sleeping pill that tackles sleep issues from a totally new angle. The beauty in it is its similarity yet difference compared to taking OTC melatonin. Regular melatonin supplements you can buy OTC will affect all of your body, and right now they're studying if taking them can worsen some autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Rozerem on the other hand gives you the sleepy benefit of melatonin, without affecting anything else. Just like zolpidem, if you take it long enough and stop, you might rebound and have your old sleeping problems come back, but again - it's not addictive either. It's a great medication for people with delayed sleep phase syndrome. Unfortunately, it doesn't do anything that I'm aware of for RLS. I only brought it up to dispute the categorical statement that sleeping pills are addictive, which maybe was true up until the late 80's, but certainly isn't true today.
That was more of an issue back when barbiturates were in style as sleeping pills, but then they switched to 'benzos which can be addictive, but aren't as bad as barbiturates. Then when the non-benzo alternatives came out, it totally nullified the notion that sleeping pills are all addictive. The only reason zolpidem is a controlled substance, is that it can be abused by taking way too much. The same thing can be said for the drug Lyrica, which is used for neuropathic pain. Theoretically, taking a massive amount could cause hallucinations, therefore they fear it has the potential for abuse, and it's a controlled substance. Schedule IV though. Almost the highest numbered category of schedule drugs (the higher the number, the less the chance of abuse, addiction, and danger). The list goes up to Schedule V, but V contains less entries than you can count fingers.
Note: I'm not a doctor. I'm just a guy who has dealt with illness, and particularly sleep problems for almost his entire life and has learned a few things along the way.
Interesting. I take Melatonin to get to sleep at night, and was hoping that it wouldn't cause any long term problems...
It depends on your medical history. The next time you see your primary doctor, or if you see a doctor for your sleep problems OR if you see a psychiatrist, ask them about it. They'd be the people to judge if it's right for you.
It could very well be that if melatonin works for you, and you have no medical history to suggest that you have no potential for an issue (ie: you don't take anticoagulant blood thinners, birth control pills, immunosuppressant drugs (or don't have an autoimmune condition because melatonin can cause unwanted immunomodulation), or diabetes medications, etc.) they might not have an issue with it. I noticed you said "long term problems". Every time I've talked to a doctor about Melatonin, they've told me not to take it for any longer than two to three months. It's generally believed to be safe for short term use.
The main concern with long term melatonin use is that there really haven't been any significant studies on it. There are concerns I've been told that they're wondering if in the long term it might cause cardiovascular issues.
Also, if you take melatonin, don't buy the ones that say "All natural" or whatnot. It's deceptive. It seems like that's a better idea than taking a synthetic version made in a lab, but ultimately, the synthetic version is safer. "All natural" ones are made from animal hormones and can contain germs, viruses, and other nasty things that your really don't want.
On the other hand, going back to Rozerem, studies have been done, and it is approved for long term use. The only problem, is that it's expensive and is still too new for a generic (patent is valid until at least 2017). If you have insurance, they might require a doctor to fill out an authorization request for them to pay for it. If you don't have insurance - well, ask your doctor. I'm not really sure how to handle that situation. I do know that at one point I was having all my doctors try to get samples of it and I'd fill up bottles with it that way until my insurance approved the authorization. As I've just implied, I take Rozerem myself. It comes in 8 mg pills. That's enough for most people. I'm on the heavy side, so I take two pills every night (16 mg). It helps get me sleepy. I have used melatonin in the past too. I also take zolpidem. That is my sleeping combo and has been for years.
Good luck. Hope I was helpful, but as always I have to caution you that I'm not a doctor and you need to talk to your doctor about any of this if you're interested.... and with that said, it's 12:01 here EST, so it's time to open my mouth, pop in my 2 Rozerem pills and Ambien, and go to sleep. Actually, I should have taken the Rozerem an hour ago (you're supposed to take it 1 hour prior to bedtime), but whatever, it's Saturday tomorrow.
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Another glossed over problem with Melatonin that many are not aware of - If you have hypotension and any thing that falls under the very broad term of orthostatic intolerance it can make one's symptoms much worse. Some with OI can take it in very small doses, but cannot tolerate what a normal person can.
In one such as myself, my sleeping BP is 50s/30s with a heart rate that gets as low as 52bpm making Melatonin potentially dangerous. Those with heart problems should use caution as well.
In one such as myself, my sleeping BP is 50s/30s with a heart rate that gets as low as 52bpm making Melatonin potentially dangerous. Those with heart problems should use caution as well.
So melatonin almost has CNS depressant qualities? I didn't know that. Interesting. I'll have to do some reading on that as I don't understand why..... and hence I reveal a problem in my life. I've got an OCD like issue where I can't just accept something as being true or false. I HAVE to know why and you would not believe the amount of time I've spent indulging my curiosity because of it.
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Yes, it affects the sympathetic nervous system (baroreflexes from it specifically). While it doesn't seem to be a big issue in other instances, it really affects how well one can tolerate orthostatic stress (sitting and standing up). If that is already an area a person has any problems with it can make it worse. And apparently it's not available OTC in Europe because of how much it can affect in the body - interesting.
I have this =[ it's not a very nice thing to have at all.. but it runs in my family from my grandad to my mum, and from my mum to me.Originally Posted by MyRage
Have you ever heard of it? Know anyone who has it? Do you have it?
I learned about it here in the hospital durring this stay. They put these things on my legs that fill up with air then deflate. It is to help with circulation and prevent blood clots for those after surgery, and who have to lay in bed for long periods of time.
The next morning after I took a walk I asked if they were putting them back on. They were a little surprised as most people dislike them. I personally loved the night long massage. I don't understand why anyone would dislike them.
I guess that people with Restless Leg Syndrome love them. I'd never heard of that before, so I looked it up on the net https://health.google.com/health/ref...s+leg+syndromeI read the symptoms and they don't sound like me.
For me, I rub my feet together, so did my mom. My feet like to touch and rub on each other while I am laying down sleeping, or going to sleep. Sometimes also when I am sitting. I don't reallly feel discomfort like what was described. My muscles almost feel a little viberatey, so my feet rub together. It doesn't disrupt my sleep at all, or anything like that. The nurse suggested I have a mild case of it... VERY MILD!! lol I've done this my whole life. Since I was a kid.
Such odd things one learns about.
Be safe.
One of the reasons I haven't been on Cat site is the fact I have just been diagnose with at least one and probably more sleep disorders. One is probably RLS I won't know the results of the sleep test until Wednesday.
The fact that a medicine for Parkinson's disease is interesting to me as Parkinson's is in the family. I have been afraid most of my life of having it.
After a couple of surgeries the leg movement were used and my legs just throb the entire time. I finally refused them.
The fact that a medicine for Parkinson's disease is interesting to me as Parkinson's is in the family. I have been afraid most of my life of having it.
After a couple of surgeries the leg movement were used and my legs just throb the entire time. I finally refused them.
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