Topic: Weightlifting and Restless Leg Syndrome

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Earlier in my life, I had very serious insomnia resulting from not being able to settle my mind down. But, the last several years I have noticed that some of my insomnia problems now seem to be caused by restless leg syndrome. Anyone else run in to this from weightlifting? Using the foam roller and heating pads seem to help a little, but not too much. Basically, its 1-2 hours of hell before my legs finally relax and I can sleep at night. Appreciate any feedback, curious to see if other lifters have this problem. Here is some info on restless leg syndrome:

https://www.google.com/health/ref/Restless+leg+syndrome

Thanks

[Matt Erdman]

You ever tried taking a high quality magnesium?

[Chris Betancourt]

I have bad insomnia as well where I can get into bed at midnight and still be trying to fall asleep at 4am. It's even worse when I start training only below 90% because my body starts creating more and more energy until it gets to the point where it is impossible to fall asleep so I'll literally lay in bed until 6am with my eyes closed but completely awake and I just go straight to the gym to purge my body of that energy. So now I have two 90%+ days for the classic lifts and that seemed to take care of it.

[Matt Rupiper]

I also have minor bouts with Restless Leg Syndrome.  First time was about 5 years ago.  I get it a ~10 times a year at most.  I only get it while sleeping in bed and it wakes me up.  I get to sleep just fine, but about two hours later it wakes me up.  For me, it occurs when I close my eyes and goes away when I open them.  I usually make my way to the couch and watch tv till I can't stay awake.  My dad and my grandpa both have histories of it too.  For me, it seems just changing where I sleep helps and watching useless late night/early a.m tv does the trick.  I don't fight it, I just let my eyes get heavy and pass out.  I know this probably doesn't help, but I know where you're coming from.
Good luck

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

Thanks for the feedback. Its not the end of the World. I am used to insomnia, am self-employed, and make my own schedule. Such is life.

[Stephen Georgiou]

i get it. its very minor compared to what you describe though. For me what happens is that as Im falling asleep i seem to kick out very hard. It doesnt bother me too much, but unfortunately it really bothers my wife! For me at least, I really do think it is lifting related.

[Barry Kinsella]

I find that whe I am training at my hardest and over-reaching purposely, my legs get very restless at night and I can find it hard to sleep also. It is only when I am training twice a day and going as hard as I can. At these times I seem to need to sleep more for recovery, but I can't because my legs feel like they are throbbing and pulsating. It is frustrating, but c'est la vie. I think I need to learn from it and spend more time winding down my nervous system.

[Owen Duguay]

Chris:  you call it "restless leg syndrome".  Is it general restlessness or specific in the legs. 

In the past I have noticed being restless after very strenous exercise.   Sometimes my legs cramp up.  But I don't know if caffine , sugar, stress, nervousness  or anything else can trigger that.

Are you able to control it through meditation or gentle stretching.