day 5 of CT - how do you help the leg tremors and no sleep?

headaches are better thanks to plain old Ibuprofen but I laid there forever last night with the worst leg tremors/jerking/spasms whatever and could not go to sleep.  I took Benedryl to no avail.  I won't lie, I want a pill so bad I can feel it I swear.  But I am hell bent to never do this to myslef again.  I took so many vic's a day that even I can't believe it.  But I have got to sleep.

Any help is appreciated.  Oh and I do not have health insurance and thanks to paying for pills on the street, I am broke so unfortunately a doctor is not an option.

[tommm70]

the leg tremors more commonly reffered to here as RLS (restless leg syndrome) REALLY suck. They will get better over time.
Take long HOT baths as often as you need to before bed. A heating pad on your legs will help out also.
They also sell a supplement for restless legs at the health store. Not sure the exact name. Someone can help with that.
Also, I have heard eating lots of bananas can help also.

Good luck and congrats on day 5! Keep updating, and let me know if these things help.

[suggs]

yeah and just when I thought, okay I can do this - this whole leg thing happens really bad last night and I am so tired but can't go to sleep and not just from jerking all over the place!

I will try the bath and heating pad tonight and already started eating banana's.  I will Google for natural sleep aid, pills are not an option with me.  I still can not believe I did this to myself.

Thanks!

[mimi1313]

You can try Hylands Restful Legs I believe its called. The baths with epsom salts really help and try walking a little bit. Don't overdo it. It will help you. Also take a calcium, magnesium supplement, I hear that helps too.

[suggs]

cool, thanks.  I am about to fall asleep right here at my desk!

[kim715]

The RLS was one of the worst symptoms for me.I took the hot baths with epsom salts and I also found that using a mentholated muscle rub like ben gay and wrapping my legs with ace bandages[tight but not to tight] gave me soooooooooo much relief.The melatonin is something you could try for sleep.You can get that at GNC.

[broknbck]

Pat yourself on the back! you are on your way!

Do you have any hiking around you? Somehow it makes the exersize easier to do if it is somewhat stimulating. (natural surroundings, beauty, ect....) After you are feeling the tightness in your muscles, stretch them real good. Also if you can get a cardio going, (hiking on mountains or some kind of strenuous deal) that will help you with the sleep.
Also you may even enjoy it!!

hang in there. it is all going to be better soon. and you will just love it!
i am 8 months clean now and felt great at 1 month.

[suggs]

thanks, you guys are awesome and I am really glad I found you all!