Restless Legs Syndrome and Vacations

How do you normally pick your vacation destination? By the color of the sea? By the cost? Or by researching the bed type?

Does the latter choice seem strange? Well, these are the choices restless legs syndrome (RLS) sufferers have to make.

Camping is a no-go for me

The rigmarole RLS sufferers have to go through to attempt even the easiest vacation is laughable. From the basic tent in the wilderness to the luxury glamping experience, canvas-based weekend breaks are a no-go due to being laid on a ground mat or an extremely uncomfortable cot (camping bed).

Inquiring about bedding

Choices for the next price range are just as slim. Staying in an Airbnb or bed and breakfast requires some delving around on the internet and/or ringing the establishment itself to find the exact type/model of beds they use in their rooms, as certain fibres can make my RLS 10 times worse. If that happens, then the last place I want to be staying in is a bed and breakfast!

Natural fibers aggravate my RLS

When money is no object, you have your luxury yachts and high-priced hotels where you would think they would stock hypoallergenic duvets, sheets, and pillows. They might – in fact, they probably would.

The crux of the matter is that quite often, natural fibres such as wool can aggravate my RLS to the point of distraction. During one holiday, I left a hotel purely due to the duvet fabric. By around midnight, I was climbing the walls with limb irritations.

How to help our own cause

Is it too much to ask your choice of accommodation to cater just to your symptoms? You could try and complain to the supplier of your sleeping bag when you stay in your tent, but I fear they may be judgmental. I have a lot of arguments with myself; I'm the best person to argue with!

Budget travel

If your accommodation is within the budget range, I would suggest bringing your own duvet, pillows, and sheets. It may sound strange – schlepping all your bedding on holiday with you. But if you want to ensure you have a reasonable rest, then take it upon yourself to supply that rest.

Luxury accommodations

Whereas, if you stay in a higher-priced hotel, then shake all the bells and whistles at them! Telephone beforehand to advise them of your RLS, stating that natural fibres can aggravate your symptoms, meaning you will spend all night walking the landings and heading to the foyer just to alleviate the crawling sensation in your legs.

Staying with friends or family

Who are you meeting whilst you're away? Friends and family? If you have family members who have short memories, then I suggest you send a round-robin to all invited/involved to ensure that past transgressions regarding RLS and staying at auntie's house, trudging dirt and dust around her lounge during the night, are forgiven and forgotten. In my opinion, staying at family members' houses is never a great idea, as they tend to hold a grudge for the longest time.

Final little "poke" for the last item of this semester – please, please, please don't drink whilst taking any medication for your RLS or other conditions.