RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restless_legs_syndrome
also known as Willis-Ekbom disease (WED)^[1] or Wittmaack-Ekbom syndrome, is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move one's body to stop uncomfortable or odd sensations.^[2] It most commonly affects the legs, but can affect the arms, torso, head, and even phantom limbs.^[3] Moving the affected body part modulates the sensations, providing temporary relief.

What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

read more about it here ----> http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-related-problems/what-restless-legs-syndrome-rls

RLS Treatment Options

• Checking to see if there is an underlying iron or vitamin deficiency and then possibly supplementing your diet with iron, vitamin B12 or folate.
• Looking at medications you may be taking which could make RLS symptoms worse. These may include drugs used to treat high blood pressure, heart conditions, nausea, colds, allergies, and depression.
• Looking at any herbal and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking to see if they could be worsening your RLS.
• Identifying habits and activities that worsen RLS symptoms.
• Looking at your diet to assure it is healthy and balanced.
• Looking at various activities that may help you personally deal with RLS.
• These could include walking, stretching, taking a hot or cold bath, massage, acupressure, or relaxation techniques.
• Also keeping your mind engaged with activities like discussions, needlework or video games when you have to stay seated.
• Implementing a program of good sleep habits.
• Reducing or eliminating caffeine from your diet to aid in general sleep hygiene.

Since RLS symptoms often worsen in the evening or at night, they can have an extremely negative impact on one's sleep and daily life. Specifically, people with RLS can have difficulty falling or staying asleep, one of the main complaints, and can sometimes wake up three or more times a night. As a result, sleep deprivation can seriously impact your work, relationships and health. 

The following are 10 tips that may also help you get a better night's sleep:

1. Maintain a regular bed and wake time schedule every day, including weekends.
2. Establish a regular, relaxing bedtime routine such as soaking in a hot bath or hot tub and then reading a book or listening to soothing music.
3. Create a sleep-conducive environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable, and cool.
4. Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillows.
5. Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex.
6. Finish eating at least two to three hours before your regular bedtime.
7. Exercise regularly, but complete your workout at least a few hours before bedtime.
8. Avoid caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, soft or energy drinks) close to bedtime, as it can keep you awake.
9. Avoid nicotine (e.g., cigarettes, tobacco products) too close to bedtime.
10. Avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-disorders-patient-education/rls-restless-legs-syndrome-treatment-options

How do I know if I have RLS?

read more here ------->http://www.sleepfoundation.org/article/sleep-disorders-patient-education/how-do-i-know-if-i-have-rls

http://www.medicinenet.com/restless_leg_syndrome/article.htm#restless_leg_syndrome_facts

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Claimed natural cure here ----> http://restedlegs.com/?gclid=CL6sl-_m47kCFY3m7AodVgIA9g

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This most heinous annoyance plagues me, night after night after night! AND not just in my legs, it frequents my arms, back neck, head, feet, ankles toes, even hands and fingers! A sensation almost worse than pain, because there is little to no comfort and sleep is out of the question no matter how tired I might feel.

The last few nights my RLS has been really bad, and last night I think I actually slept maybe 1 solid hour. (I'm still hoping to fall back to sleep for a while.) I have had so much on my mind too. Not anything important, just so many ideas and "happenings" running through my creative consciousness. I guess my mood has been on a bitt of an "up swing."

Life has been pretty good besides my day to day struggles with health and torment. I still haven't gotten to my full dosage of Cymbalta, but I could swear it's helping me already, as I seem to be more active. The house is even pretty clean. I still have 88 billion projects lined up in my head that I want to get accomplished,... like yesterday. I guess I need to just focus and try to do one at a time and maybe delegate a few to the hubster. HAHA!

Searching for relief.....
Home remedies... this link says put a bar of soap under the sheet? What the heck? But you know I will probably try anything at this point. hehe
http://www.grandmas-wisdom.com/restless-leg-syndrome.html
Yup, I'm totally going to try this one.

My biggest down falls right now are my Coke Zero habit and my Marlboro habit. According to all of these links, RLS is aggravated by caffeine and nicotine. I guess that gives me one more reason to quit those things, as if I needed ONE MORE REASON!

My mom told me that she heard, from my aunt, who probably read some where on the internet, that diet pop/soda causes fibromyalgia. Well to my knowledge, "they" think fibromyalgia is hereditary, and not caused by anything environmental. But if you talk to my mom and my aunt, it's all diet pop's fault. The reason so many people in my generation have it, is because so many parents grew their children up on diet Coke and Pepsi, instead of water. I don't know, maybe there is some truth to that. We may never know for sure.