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Restless legs disrupt sleep

I don’t think that either of the two medications that you mention will give you problems in this way, although the fact that you do need certain ‘maintenance-type’ therapies does indicate a less-than-efficient functioning of your metabolism generally. It does seem that you may be getting ‘restless legs syndrome’ (RLS), which is usually described as an unpleasant, often distressing, creeping sensation in the legs brought on by inactivity.

RLS is a common, potentially disabling condition that affects five per cent of the general population. There is usually an intense, irresistible urge to move the legs and associated muscles, which worsen at rest and are relieved, to some extent, by movement of the legs. Usually the problem is increased in severity at night.

Not much is known about the real cause of RLS – although it is often associated with certain conditions like iron deficiency, lack of Vitamin B12, folate and magnesium, and certain other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Some heredity associations have also been noted where other members of the same family show similar conditions.

There are certain drugs that have been found to help the condition, but the most important thing is just to make sure that there are no other causes that could be encouraging the problems. Mention your symptoms when you next see your doctor.

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