Restless legs

[Guest guest]

I'm experiencing a horrible thing with these restless legs. I have not

slept in several nights (last night was the fourth in a row) because of

my legs.

I'm starting my 3rd week of the eating program - could this be

connected? I've convinced myself that it is dietary-based. Do any of

you have any experience/knowledge of restless leg syndrome?

Thanks!

Dede

[Guest guest]

Dede, how horrible!

Have you tried increasing your magnesium or taking Epsom salt baths?

Apparently there can be a number of reasons a person gets Restless

Leg Syndrome (RLS). You should probably Google it and maybe ask you

doctor.

Here is the link to the RLS support group. I joined it because my

dad was having those symptoms and I wanted to learn more. I really

haven't spent much time participating on it.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/rlssupport/

The best place I found to start my dad off on things to help his

sleeping that wouldn't make his doctor upset (my dad had numerous

health problems we had to adjust for) were these suggestions:

from: <http://observer.guardian.co.uk/foodmonthly/story/

0,,889248,00.html>

[i'm going to delete a couple that are illegal.]

Ten tips for a good sleep

1. Avoid caffeine

Caffeine is well-known for its stimulant properties, and does nothing

to help sleep. As the effects of caffeine tend to linger in the body,

avoid it after the morning rush.

[2 was camomile but it's SCD illegal.]

3. Eat lettuce

Lettuce contains a substance called lactur carium that helps promote

sleep by sedating the nervous system. A crisp green salad with supper

is a good option for those who tend to have difficulty dropping off

at night.

4. Eat protein at supper

Waking in the night is often caused by a drop in the level of sugar

in the blood stream, causing the body to secrete adrenaline. A supper

comprising protein (e.g. meat, fish, eggs, tofu), vegetables, and a

little [deleted recommendation for starch] is generally best

for blood sugar sustenance.

4. Have a bedtime snack

This can help to reduce the risk of blood sugar levels dropping in

the middle of the night. Eating a piece of fruit and a handful of

nuts before brushing your teeth can reduce the tendency to wake in

the small hours.

5. Eat a banana

Bananas are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that is converted into

the calming and sleep-inducing brain chemical serotonin. See

<http://www.corsinet.com/trivia/bananas.html> for banana trivia

6. Take 5-hydroxytryptophan

5-HTP is the substance tryptophan is converted into on its way to

becoming serotonin. In practice, 50 mg of 5-HTP (available in health

food stores) taken before bedtime improves sleep in many insomniacs.

6A. Now the once banned tryptophan is back on the shelves but at

highly inflated prices.

7. Take magnesium

Magnesium has a general sedating effect on the nervous system, and is

one nutrient that tends to be deficient in our diets. Eating plenty

of magnesium- rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans,

pulses and nuts may help to ensure adequate intake of this nutrient

In addition, taking 400 mg of magnesium with supper seems to help.

The form of magnesium citrate that is more absorbable than MOM.

[8 was recommendation to take herb valerian which I don't know the

legality of]

9. Take a bath

There is some evidence that a drop in body temperature helps promote

sleep. Take a hot bath about an hour before bedtime and then retire

to a not too heated bedroom. [cold showers are used in psychiatric

wards to calm patients]

10 Sniff some lavender [not suitable for prepubertal boys]

Dabbing a couple of drops of lavender oil on your temples or on your

pillow may help.

10. Try daily exercise but not too close to sleep time.

If you can't sleep because of sounds beyond your control, try

silicone rubber ear plugs. Or if your bedroom is not pitch black when

you switch off the lights and the light bothers you, wear a face mask

to shut out that stimulus, and the most important is turn your clock

to prevent time checking and prevent the sleep slaying thought, " It's

3 AM now and I'll never get to sleep. " Practice visualizing your self

climbing into bed, pulling the covers up, seeing a smile on your face

with your eyes closing to sleep. If you feel restless breathe slowly

in and out while thinking I will lie here, relax, and pretty soon I'll

fall asleep.

mom to -12

SCd 4/23/04

[Guest guest]

Hi Dede,

I've experienced this when I've been pregnant (both times). My understanding is

that it can be related to low levels of iron (no known absolute causes - can be

related to hormone changes too). Perhaps your change in diet has reduced your

iron levels or is affecting your hormone levels?

To: pecanbread@...: rbright@...: Mon, 20 Aug 2007

13:32:29 +0000Subject: Restless legs

I'm experiencing a horrible thing with these restless legs. I have not slept in

several nights (last night was the fourth in a row) because of my legs.I'm

starting my 3rd week of the eating program - could this be connected? I've

convinced myself that it is dietary-based. Do any of you have any

experience/knowledge of restless leg syndrome?Thanks!Dede

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ltagline

[Guest guest]

Yes, low iron is one possibility but it could also be abnormalities in

blood sugar levels or other things. (My dad had RLS concurrent with

excessively high levels of iron.)

mom to -12

SCD 4/23/04