RLS and Flying: Long Trip

Any flight more than the length of a movie is a long flight to me. I don’t fly internationally much, especially nowadays. I used to fly cross country multiple times a year, but in the years after having kids, my galivanting has all but disappeared.

Even though I don’t fly as much, when I do, I rely on a few preparatory measures to ensure a better flight. My restless legs are one of several of my “long flight” complaints, which include descent headaches, tummy troubles, boredom, anxiety, ennui, snacking, jet lag, and sinus issues, but any upset to the system makes my restless legs worse.

How I approach a long flight with restless legs

To prepare for a long flight with restless legs, I do several things, including:

• Try to get good exercise the day of or the day before flying. Stretch-based exercise like Pilates is good, but I also feel better if I get some light cardio in.
• Dress comfortably: I wear loose-fitting, soft-fabric clothes to reduce upset all over but especially to minimize my restless legs. People who fly in jeans are a mystery to me, especially on long flights.
• Medicate: I have “as needed” anxiety medication which has been prescribed to me and I make sure I have the correct doses ready to go. I usually take a half Klonopin or 1 or 2 propranolol as I’m getting seated to help offset any anxiety and hopefully keep my legs calm.
• Eat something bland. I fly better with a slightly full stomach but, especially because of wearing a mask, keep it mild so as not to give myself the yucks with my own bad breath.
• Entertainment: Boredom, the enemy of restless legs. If I have something fun to watch or read, I’m less likely to get antsy so quickly.
• Book an aisle seat. I am a lady, thank you, but I book an aisle seat to give me the illusion of more space and the option to “man-spread” to my heart’s content when the beverage cart isn’t coming at me.

Stretching and moving during the flight

Once on the flight, I try to head off restless legs by standing up when the seatbelt sign goes off. I do calf raises and full body stretches and I try not to think about who is getting a bit too big of a view of my butt.

I take a bathroom break whether I need it or not to get a quick walk in up and down the aisle. If needed, I take more anti-anxiety medication so long as that’s okay with my prescribed daily limits.

Even a good flight takes it out of me

Honestly, even with prep and coping measures, flying isn’t all that comfortable for me. Even a good flight still really takes it out of me.

When I get to my destination, if at all possible, I need a solid, mild meal and a long walk. Ice cream after would be good, too, though I’m not sure it helps my restless legs at all…doesn’t hurt though.