Hello all!!

That should read 46 year old male!!!!...D'OH!!!

Hi Northern Soul,

I believe some people say the bar of soap needs to be placed under the bed sheet I guess near your legs or feet. Worth a go as it worked for many people. If your symptoms come and go its worth having detailed blood tests as you could be deficient in something, havebyou already done this ?

Kind Regards

Ive had lots of blood tests over the years that show nothing abnormal?.....this is honestly driving me nuts!!!....I reckon I get about 2 hours REM sleep per night,and im just shattered at work.I think im going to ask my GP to be referred to a specialist,I just CANNOT go on like this.

might as well stick it under the bed, it doesn't swork. I got more cramp in my legs and feet chasing the darn thing around the bed than ever

Have you tried Magnesium tablets. I got mine from Boots and they are tiny little pills, I take 5 each morning and I have to say they have helped.

Oddbiddy..im going to try the soap thing as it appears to work for some but not all.Dixieb..thank you,I will try that too,ive been reading that Magnesium seems to work for quite a lot of people.I tried Tramadol last night,just the one 50mg,and I was 'twitching' for about an hour then FINALLY got some much needed sleep!!

Sorry I wasn't sure what RLS meant last night, i was tired. I used to eat bananas for this problem and it helped but I haven't had it for weeks since I started drinking half a pint of Coconut water at lunch time. So that's a simple thing you could try, it comes in most superstores, good luck with it June

Thanks June..ive also heard that Bananas are good too.

As a long term sufferer here is a list of of things I have noticed associated with rls

Alcohol consumption makes it worse.

Having broken my ankle and had a knee replacement the nerve end damage has made the symptoms worse.

Being over-tired can exacerbate the problem.

2 mg Ropinirole taken 1 hour before bedtime does moderate the restlessness slightly.

Relaxaxation techniques when going to bed does help to clear the mind.

Odd sensations in the arms and fingers are due to spinal damage (so the surgeon tells me) such symptoms need to be checked.

Yes RLS does wear one out and I cannot remember when I had a good nights sleep. I often have to leave the marital bed as the spasms are so violent if I inadvertantly kicked the wife I would probalby break her leg.

As for the soap you might as well stick it up your backside for all the good it will do

I'm going to pester my GP,I've got to get this sorted,it's funny you mention nerve damage as I've recently been diagnosed with Sciatica through an old back injury.As far as the soap goes....if shoving it where the sun doesn't shine actually helped I'd give it a go!

I agree about the soap, it's just an old wives tale. But I really have found my health is a lot better since I have been drinking coconut water and I can't remember the las time I had RLS after suffereing from it for over 40 years. June

Hi Northern Soul,

Definitely get yourself referred to a neurologist its worth it if you want further testing. Funny you mentioned your back problem, get that seen to and you might well find your symptoms get better if not go altogether. I gather you live up North ? Shame you are not based in or around London would have given you a contact. I came on this forum for my mum who was struggling she has improved thanks to this great osteopath that a friend from work recommended the best thing she could have done. All it took was one treatment ! I was sceptical but have tried this guy myself for my aches and pains and he is a gem. I now do not believe what the neurologists say as how can you cure restless legs if its brain related, I will be having a very long conversation with my mums neurologist in May I tell you !

Further to my earlier post it is interesting to see danssae 786 comments re the neurological link to RLS. To expand upon my earlier post prior to slipping and breaking my ankle on Dartmoor 14 months ago and subsequently a total knee replacement I only had mild RLS symptoms. For example when wound up, overtired or over indulged. Now, as I said previously, the condition affects me every day to a greater or lesser extent and has degenerated from movement to violent spasms every 10 seconds that can last for hours.

Last night was really bad but I took 2 paracetamol and did get tro sleep fitully. I need to try this more often to see if it is the paracetamol that is helping.

I definitely think its worth everyone checking if they have any back problems or spinal injuries as it is bizarre that people who suffer from this tend to have restless legs syndrome. Thats why I suggested addressing the issues to hand as they may well resolve or at least ease off the RLS.

further to my earlier post:-

At the risk of being boring re the spinal problem link to RLS I had a laminectmy on my spine 6 years ago.