My RLS Journey: Stephen's Story

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation presents the 'My RLS Journey' series.

In this video, we highlight Stephen's RLS story. Stephen discusses his passion for running while coping with RLS.

'My RLS Journey' Series © RLS Foundation 2016

[lane]

Suffered first episode at age 15. Full blown RLS every day of my life started at age 28 😢. New Dr. I saw last week said she wants to “wean” me off Requip! Calmly I sat because I know I’m not seeing her again. Thanks for sharing your story.

[pennyburns]

You are not alone, thank you for uploading this. I have had RLS for about 15 years, I am now 60 yrs old. Everyone has their own way of describing how it feels - for me, I would say that it feels like the muscles in my legs and arms are too large and long for the skin that surrounds them. I used to cold shower my legs up to four times during a night - it sometimes neutralises it but lately it isn't working. My 95 year old Mother has it as bad as I do. I don't sleep, so I am often late for work or I just can't get in at all because I am so shattered. Tried Ropinorol - it just made me feel sick all the time. Years ago, I used to self-harm because of it - it brought some relief. For me, exercise has nothing to do with it. And it comes in 'waves' - sometimes it's just not there at then, its every night so I don't sleep for several nights and just feel like a zombie. To all of you out there - YOU ARE NOT ALONE.xxxx

[aahsigh]

It typically occurs at the nap hour, and if you are in an environment whereby the room conserves heat too well, then the best approach is to do a before nap time workout routine of your choice for an hour and also remember to keep the dry air out during the summer the best way you know how or winter time using the thermo control with the  "fan" control setting on "auto"  fan setting simultaneously and  not "on". Dry fan air will  dissipate at auto setting, and it's good for the lungs when you do your workout out in your room at night before bed. That's my conclusion  and cure after 38+ years, too. It seems that at this age, it  is the gold standard age experience I've noticed. Human evolution wasn't meant for energy saving high-tech rooms, which trap dry air in rather to the contrary outdoor experience. Who even gets cured off of  restless leg syndrome on a couch rather than outdoors doing stuff and then napping in the forest somewhere. I am serious about this. It's a cure on my behalf in every season of the year and counting. My time for a workout is at the 12 mark to 1am. It is cold outside to open windows and dangerous too. unpredictable too if you live with your loved ones.

[cindy]

I have rls people dont understand how awful it is . No joke.

[samanthaskadeland]

One of the most difficult things to describe what RLS is like. I litterally cant sleep sometimes because I can't keep my leg muscles from spasms

[Petral]

Has exercise made your RLS better or is it the same? I am just wondering because I have heard that exercises help with the symptoms. I had mine since I was in my 20s, and now I am 52. It has gotten worse all day every day sometimes. There has got to be a medication that does not make you drowsy. I'm sorry to hear about your struggles.