Non-med ways to control RLS
I have run the gamut of medications to control my RLS.
I think it is really impacting on my sleep at night. I already have another sleep disorder (sleep apnoea). That is partially controlled by my CPAP machine, sometimes well-controlled, but of limited use if RLS is creating constant events.
Just about every time I wake up, my legs are rictus. I'm guessing they have been that way for some time. Just to add to the mix, I also have benign enlarged prostate and a little bit of urine in my bladder seems to create a lot of discomfort, and I think that also degrades my sleep quality.
Anyway, other than relaxing as best I can and meditating, any other things I can actually take, or do, to alleviate my RLS?
This past year I have been seen at a Sleep Clinic, had 2 sleep studies and I do have Sleep Apnea, but I didn't know RLS is a sleep disorder. I did know it greatly interfered with my sleep. I've been to Neurologists and Psychiatrists with little help and nothing that lasted. The doctors at the sleep clinic have helped me the most and I have hope today. Sound A Sleep in Mid-Michigan
@RLS247, that is great! Thanks so much for sharing. The expertise of a sleep clinic can definitely look across the spectrum of issues and make things so much better. I, too, never thought about a sleep clinic when I was looking for my diagnosis. My condition is fortunately controlled now, thanks to an excellent nurse practitioner, but if I start having additional issues the sleep clinic will definitely be on my list to help attack the problem.
Kim (Team Member)
- What kind of provider are you working with for your issues? Are you seeing a sleep specialist? If you are not, live in the US, and covered by insurance, call the customer service number on your card and hopefully they can help you find someone in-network in your area. An alternative, find a good neurologist. Whoever you see, if you feel they are “giving up” on you or not listening and hearing what you say, keep searching someone committed to help you. Keep being your own advocate. - Kim ( Team Member) I am actually be treated on the NHS in Britain.
Thaanks for the 3ncouragement. I had not thought of asking about a neuroloogist and may try that.I’m quite familiar with the NHS, as some of my family lives in Wales. As here in the US, sometimes you have to fight for the right help, but you can get it. I hope you find the right treatment! You deserve good sleep. Keep us informed.
Kim
After using the Curable app for over a year, and then doing a more intensive group program, I find I now can control my attitude to restless legs, pain and all the other symptoms and sleep problems that comes with it. As I am now calmer, with this brain retraining, I am coping much better, as there are less stress hormones racing around my body, and the feelings of dread when evening approached ( when my symptoms are usually worse) has been lifted. This did not happen overnight, and required time and energy, but as a drug free method, brain retraining may help.
One thing I use is Zims Max Freeze cool gel therapy! It does help calm them down a bit.
