Restless Leg Syndrome

It's 2:00 a.m. and I can't sleep. My legs want to move. They won't be still and so like many other nights, I get up and walk around.

This condition is known as RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome. It plagues more women than men. It is more common in older people and yet it can also affect babies.

RLS has been shown to be an inherited disease. My mother had it. I hope my children don't develop it. I can't be sure since it can strike at any age.

There is no known cure for it.

No one knows why it happens.

I began to experience it when I was about 16. I was visiting my Grandparents and my legs felt as if they needed to move. I can remember trying to fall asleep, I wanted to get up and walk but I couldn't because I was afraid I would disturb everyone. I didn't realize it then, but this was to be a lifelong affliction.

Over the years I have found some relief by:

1. Having something heavy rest on the calves of my legs. It seems to exhaust the muscles.

2. We bought a thumper. My husband will run this over my legs until I fall asleep. It also tends to exhaust the muscles in my calves.

3. Muscle relaxants. I don't like to use them unless I absolutely have to. The thought of growing dependent on a pill is worrisome and so I avoid them as much as possible.

4. I have discovered that the condition is worse if I fall asleep and then I am awakened shortly thereafter. My family knows not to wake me up unless it is an emergency....otherwise they have to thump my legs.

5. Some studies have shown a link to iron and potassium deficiencies. Vitamins may help.

As long as I can't sleep, I might as well BLOG. Thank goodness I found BLOGGING!

For more information about RLS contact:

Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
819 Second Street, SW
Rochester, MN 55902-2985

http://www.rls.org
Tel: 507-287-6465
Fax: 507-287-6312

or

National Sleep Foundation
1522 K Street NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005

http://www.sleepfoundation.org
Tel: 202-347-3471
Fax: 202-347-3472