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Original poster

Restless Legs - desperate

33 replies

dallysally · 10/04/2026 08:10

I’ve had the most terrible restless legs two nights running. Almost cramping and v uncomfortable, to the point where they kept me awake for hours.

I’m desperate for a good night’s sleep. Any ideas of anything that works? Have obviously googled but would love first hand experience.

Fairly fit, active and post menopausal woman.

OP posts:
Original poster
dallysally · 10/04/2026 20:28

Will try socks trick if I have it again tonight.

OP posts:
Original poster
dallysally · 10/04/2026 20:29

butternut123 · 10/04/2026 20:03

Hi, I recovered from years of restless legs by increasing my ferritin (iron levels). Mine started during pregnancy when I was borderline anaemia and I didn’t realise this continued for years afterwards. Now I supplement with iron it’s all but gone

Will get my levels checked

OP posts:
Original poster
dallysally · 10/04/2026 20:31

Blueuggboots · 10/04/2026 19:52

The only thing that has sorted out my partner’s long term RLS is pregabalin. She tried magnesium, iron supplements etc and nothing worked.

Will go see GP if it continues. Unbearable to be knackered and totally unable to sleep

OP posts:
Original poster
dallysally · 10/04/2026 20:32

Nospringchix · 10/04/2026 19:42

^ this. Get these checked. The ferritin is the most important one. It needs to be over 75 if it is.going to make a difference so even if it is in the nhs normal range, but below 75 you will still need supplements.
About 50% of people with rls will see an improvement with iron. If iron doesnt help there are other medications that will help you.
There are also meds that worsen rls such as many antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and sedating antihistamines such as piriton and promethazine so if you are taking any of these it might be worth discussing with your doctor.
Hope you get some relief from it, I know how miserable it can get.

Show quote history

ONG. Just seen this. Am taking sedating antihistamines at the moment 😱

OP posts:
Original poster
dallysally · 10/04/2026 20:33

KateK1974 · 10/04/2026 08:58

I have found tying socks around my feet just before the toes, has helped when the restless legs have been bad. I thought my friend was joking when she suggested it, but it seems to help!

Will try!

OP posts:
mellowout · 10/04/2026 20:34

Magnesium glycinate 👌

NotMyRealAccount · 10/04/2026 20:37

I was sceptical, but since starting to take magnesium glycinate over a year ago after ruling out other potential causes I've gone from having restless legs most nights to once in a blue moon.

RS1987 · 10/04/2026 20:38

It’s awful isn’t it.
During my first pregnancy I managed it by waiting for it to start in the evening, then having a hot bath, eating a banana and drinking a pint of water, then go to bed.
Magnesium spray on the legs after the bath helped too.
Since then I’ve had it bad and the above didn’t quite cut it - the best thing in those situations I’ve found is iron supplements (proper ones from pharmacy) and CBD oil. I always have a bottle of CBD oil by my bed now in case, but rarely get it these days.
Are you on any new medication? That always triggers it for me.

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