“I Can’t Keep Still at Night” #wait

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological condition that affects a significant number of people, causing an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like tingling, burning, or itching. These symptoms typically worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly in the evening or at night, leading to disrupted sleep and reduced quality of life.

What many people may not realize is that an easy, reversible cause of RLS could be low iron levels. Iron deficiency, even when not severe enough to cause anemia, can significantly impact the brain's dopamine pathways, which play a key role in controlling movement. This connection between iron levels and RLS is well-documented, and addressing low iron can often alleviate the symptoms.

Unfortunately, the link between RLS and low iron is sometimes overlooked, leading individuals to suffer unnecessarily or to seek out more complex treatments without first addressing this potentially simple fix. Blood tests can determine if iron deficiency is contributing to RLS symptoms, and if so, iron supplements or dietary changes can often bring relief.

#insomnia #sleep

[HomemakerSuzy]

I've also heard low dopamine can contribute, which is why people with adhd can experience it as well.

[debfamilia]

Thank you for mentioning the iron element. Low iron is the main contributor to my RLS

[Rhh]

I had bad RLS, and taking magnesium supplements every night has eliminated it. Apparently, RLS is common in ADHD - which I have.

[wolfsdream]

I've been diagnosed with RLS about twelve years ago. At first no one believed me because I was 'too young'. But finally I found a neurologist who believed me and got the testing done.
I neither drink nor smoke, I don't drink caffein, lived a active life and my iron and magnesium levels are fine.
I tried those parkinson medication but after only a few months they stopped working and it got so bad that the RLS even reached my arms.
At the same time I got a inflamed shoulder and because of the pain the doctor prescibed Oxycodon...(of course we tried other painkillers first)
It did nothing against the pain in my shoulder (or period cramps, or head aches, etc) but my RLS was suddenly gone!
Well it's not really gone but as long as I take my meds every evening it's barely there. I'm very lucky that I experience no noticeable side effects. And I'm still at the same dosage I began with ten years ago😊

[SparklyRose]

Yes!!! Low iron levels cause my restless legs. As soon as I start taking my iron supplements I have no issues with my legs at night but its not immediate. Usually takes about a week to take affect.

[sharedexperiences]

I broke my femur, crushed my ankle on one leg. Broke my tibia on the other leg. Broke pelvis, tail bone, and lower spine. All at the same time. My legs are numb in spots and they cramp and have spasms. Its been 10years. Im so thankful i can walk though.

[valerieh]

PEOPLE, KNOW THIS: MY RLS WAS IDENTIFIED AS A SYMPTOM OF ATYPICAL OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA (OSA). IF ALL ELSE FAILS, SEE A SLEEP SPECIALIST, GET A FULL SLEEP STUDY DONE (OVERNIGHT) IN HOSPITAL. Am now using a CPAP machine and rarely get RLS except if I don’t exercise enough. My best wishes to you all, RLS is a very disruptive condition.

[bronwentillman]

I've been told I'm anemic all my life, but I've been having restless legs only for a couple of years now. Meditation and relaxation techniques have helped, because I can't take many meds because of my arthritis meds.

[stephanieg]

The Dr's facial expressions while that guy in the beginning lost it had me cracking me up 😂😂😂😂sorry...

[insomniacakes]

stop that first clip was too accurate for me 😭😭

maybe this is a hint i should take my iron supplements.. wait do i even have any? idk. i’ll get some monday

[ednaatluxton]

I gave up caffeine, was put on gabapentin, iron was up and down so i took the supplement only every 3 days, magnesium by dr orders, but the big help was getting the mirena iud so i no longer got heavy periods losing iron. I had 5, 1 every 5 years until after menopaus. Mind you i have lupus. Im not on gabapentin anymore, no iud as of 10 months ago, no magnesium, but i eat a lot of specific raw nuts.

[Suicune-ozou]

Wow you're spot on, I have RLS and iron deficiency anemia. I've never considered the correlation before, but I think if I pay attention I'll probably find that when my RLS gets worse is probably when I'm getting very low on iron.

[dotteddice]

I'm watching this while in bed, trying to calm my restless legs. 🙃

[silentfriend]

It's the ADHD for me. My brain doesn't produce things correctly.

[n.k.]

I've had this just happen to me for the first time last night! And you upload this video right after.... You are doing God's work doctor 🙌🏻 ❤

In the middle of the night I was woken up by my entire leg rising in the air (I think it was a cramp?) I was still half asleep when it happened, so when I woke up it felt like a fever dream.😅 I normally eat banana several times a week, but haven't eaten them in a while, so this morning i took a magnesium pill. I hope i can resolve this, before it becomes a regular thing⚕

[jonnaschomburg]

Thank you. I actually went to the doctor a while ago, everything else seemed to be average in my results except my iron levels (I bleed heavily) I kind of half assed been taking in pills. Now I'm taking it (at least a tad) more seriously. 🙏

[sarahc]

Had this issue a lot as a kid, esp going into puberty and getting extremely heavy periods.

Doctor told me to eat more iron rich foods as i was likely anemic and low on iron. Recommended more spinach, which as a kid i didn't like so she suggested a small burger a week as red meat had more iron than white meat, maybe 2 a week just before or during my period. Did this and also increased my water intake before bed. Symptoms almost completely stopped.

As an adult I lean towards spinach in my salads rather than meat, so i increase eating iron rich foods around certain times of the month and now i rarely have RLS.

[daniellecoetsee]

Third trimester mom here, and the RLS is CRAZY in the evenings. The worst is when you start to really doze off and suddenly have the undeniable urge to kick and move your legs. I’m taking three times the normal recommended daily dose of iron (for non-pregnant individuals) as my iron suddenly dropped by almost 80% in final trimester.

[agentwolf]

Try sleeping with a weighted blanket. Mine is 15 Ibs and while it doesn’t completely prevent restless leg it does reduces frequency and definitely severity for me. Its also good if you have issue with anxiety too.

[-Etsu-]

Used to have rls very often when I was younger. I woke up to it in the middle of sleeping and the only thing that helped was cold showers for the legs. I'm pretty sure it happened more when there was extra activity as opposed to inactivity. Aaand was most likely due to low iron and maybe hormones and other deficiencies too. I mean, when it was first measured, my ferritin count was 4.