Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) tips for Hypermobility Sufferers
One of the issues that has impacted my sleep quality over more and more has been Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The best way I can describe my symptoms are that I feel the strong need to move my legs because of an itchy or creepy crawly feeling in my calves. I generally only feel this when I'm in bed at night. It can prevent me from getting to sleep initially, or I can experience it if I wake up during the night. There's no cure for RLS, and scientists don't know the cause of it. RLS is said to impact up to 10% of the population. I've tried many things to eliminate or manage my RLS, and the purpose of this page is to share what has helped.
CBD oil
CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive component found in marijuana and hemp plants, is often used by people wanting to improve their sleep quality, manage pain or reduce anxiety. CBD oil has not eliminated my RLS, but I believe it reduces the frequency and severity of the symptoms. The best products that I've been able to find in the UK are produced by Supreme CBD. I felt results from the 6000mg and 12000mg full sprectrum oils. I also like the gummies for a top up during the night or relief from anxiety during the day.
Warming body creams
I've found that the best way to deal with an RLS attack is to distract my brain with a different sensation. Heat has worked best for me. I've tried a few warming creams. Deep Heat is too strong and uncomfortable when I'm trying to sleep. Sanctuary Spa De-Stress Warming Body Balm is the best one I have found because the warming sensation is strong enough to distract me from my RLS, but it's not so strong that I can't sleep.
Heated Wheat Wrap
Continuing the distraction theme, an alternative to the warming body cream is a heated wheat cushion or wrap. I like the Zhu-Zhu Soothing Neck & Joint Wrap because it has a greater surface area than a normal wheat cushion and therefore covers more of my calf. Just put it in the microwave for 90-120 seconds. You may need two of these so you can wrap them around both of your calves. This would work to soothe other body parts that you may be experiencing pain from that is preventing you from sleeping.
Magnesium Spray
A common recommendation to help ease RLS symptoms is magnesium spray. Simply spray the areas that you experience RLS either proactively to reduce the chance of an attack, or to ease symptoms after you have experienced them. The best one I have used is BetterYou Magnesium Sensitive Body Spray. I find the standard non-sensitive one can give me a rash if I use it for a few consecutive nights, but I've never had problems with this one. You'll feel a gentle tingling after applying the stray and rubbing it in that I quite like as a distraction for my RLS, and it can eliminate the symptoms when I have an attack. I use either this or the warming balm as a first port of call.
Therapulse
The Therapulse is a machine which provides 'counter stimulation' for RLS via vibration. The device generates high-frequency waves which passes through the skin to the legs. The pulse is effectively ‘scrambling’ the sensory impulses to the extent that they cannot be interpreted by the brain. I have two of these, one for each of my legs. I haven't found that using it proactively prevents attacks later in the night but I have found that it can be effective in eliminating the symptoms during an attack. It's worthy of a place in your army of options to deal with your RLS symptoms and get back to sleep.
General Sleep Tips
On top of these recommendations, I have created a page of general sleep recommendations that aren't directly aimed at easing RLS symptoms but may also help you get a better night's sleep. Click the button below to see more.
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