Does anyone have restless legs, particularily at night? I wake up every night around 3 or 4 a.m.and my legs start to twitch. I find that I can't keep them still and I can't go back to sleep I lie there rying to get comfortable but I"M awake for the reat of the night, and it is horrible.
I'm hoping taht someone has found some relief for this as the doctors don't seem to have any answers.
Thanks for any help you can share.
Zella.
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Dr Oz says that high fructose corn syrup should be banned from our diets. Perrier water has very high calcium but so do supplements too.
You might want to check out sites like [url]http://www.peacehealth.org/kbase/cam/hn-1255009.htm[/url]
here is some of what they suggest: [I]" Vitamins that may be helpful
Mild iron deficiency is common, even in people who are not anemic. When iron deficiency is the cause of RLS, supplementation with iron has been reported to reduce the severity of the symptoms. In one trial, 74 mg of iron taken three times a day for two months, reduced symptoms in people with RLS.6 In people who are not deficient in iron, iron supplementation has been reported to not help reduce symptoms of RLS.7 Most people are not iron deficient, and taking too much can lead to adverse effects. Therefore, iron supplements should only be taken by people who have a diagnosed deficiency.
In a preliminary trial, people with period limb movements during sleep (PLMS) or RLS who suffered from insomnia had a significant improvement in sleep efficiency after supplementing with magnesium (about 300 mg each evening for four to six weeks).8
In some people with RLS, the condition may be genetic. People with familial RLS appear to have inherited an unusually high requirement for folic acid. Although not all people with RLS suffer from uncomfortable sensations, folate-deficient people with this condition always do.9 In one report, 45 people were identified to be from families with folic acid-responsive RLS. The amount of folic acid required to relieve their symptoms was extremely large, ranging from 5,000 to 30,000 mcg per day.10 Such amounts should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
In a group of nine people with RLS, 300 IU of vitamin E per day produced complete relief in seven.11 Doctors who give vitamin E to people with RLS generally recommend at least 400 IU of vitamin E per day, and the full benefits may not become apparent for three months."[/I]
For things like iron you can get a fast and easy dose by eating a handful of raisins every day. One of the best ways of getting magnesium is to pour epson salts in your bath and have a soak. Your body will absorb what it needs through your skin. It's a good way to make sure you don't take too much. Folic acid is good for a lot of things and you can get the larger doses through prescription.
If memory serves, calcium and something in soda water (or is it tonic... I can't remember) are good when you are experiencing muscle cramps or spasms at night. I'm not sure if they help with the RLS but I don't think they can hurt (although you have to watch how you take calcium if you take thyroid meds).
This is really one of those times when traditional medicine generally is a let down. You may get better results by making an appointment with a good nutritionist (not a dietitian, they are different) as they really look into diet, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and understand them better than most doctors. You have to pay for their time but it's usually pretty helpful.
I think that Arizona is right. My doctor told me that it is a calcium deficiency. Hope that helps you out. I know that this is quite frustrating.
I thought I read somewhere that is caused by a calcium deficiency.
I'm sure lots of people are thinking why not try ..., but then that assumes your partner is there and willing! :rolleyes:
One idea that comes to mind is to go and take a hot shower or massage the legs. Sometimes I'll get a leg cramp in the middle of the night and hot water helps. Maybe even trying a hot water bottle?