Kristinelaine

If you do, what have you done about preventing it or coping with it? Sometimes I want to just jump out of the plane. Not a good idea, of course! I usually stand up and walk around, but once it starts, it really doesn't stop until I finally de-plane.

Nelson

I stand by one of the exit doors and stretch, toe touches, quad stretches, side bends, shoulder stretches, various things. I get an occasional weird look from people, but it feels great!

Last week I kept an eye on the map and made sure I got up to look out the window when we flew over southern Greenland. This still ranks as one of the better views I have had from a commercial airplane.

I have not experienced the urge to jump out of the plane.

bettyk

I would consult my physician. Maybe a muscle relaxer would help as well as stretching your legs. I have this problem a lot and have used OTC pain relievers as well as muscle relaxers. Sometimes they work great and other times not so much.

clarasong

Boy I need stronger glasses...I thought you said "do you ever get lumpy legs" and I thought, "well, yeah, but I think they were lumpy before I got on this plane.'

But I do hear you....I hate being on an airplane, especially going east, as we arrive tired, cross, and the next day is here...

grandmere

It happens to me on planes (and in theaters, etc.) when I am seated for a long time and overly tired. It is a terrible feeling, isn't it?

chicgeek

OMG, we just flew home from Hawaii and I thought I was going to go crazy with my RLS. I spent most of the time in the back of the plane doing stretches. I wasn't the only one. The FAs were very sympathetic and not annoyed. I walked up and down the aisles when carts weren't being used, too. I thought about volunteering to serve the drinks and food, just for the excuse to keep moving gt;

Gretchen

If you get this any other time you should see your physician. It is a sleep disorder.

tipsygus

I have a fairly simple remedy, just drink a glass of bitter lemon or tonic water. The quinine in the drink is enough to relax the legs and the problem disappears. Several members of my family suffer and this was a tip from a niece.

It worked for me on flights to and from New Zealand earlier this year, I asked for tonic water everytime the drinks were offered and managed to avoid the problem

Kristinelaine

Gretchen -- I never get it any other time -- only on flights.

Thanks to all of you for your understanding, sympathy, and ideas. I have a trip coming up in a couple of weeks so I will give these ideas a try.

Any more ideas?

Lynneb

Yes, it's called restless leg syndrome.

I've had it for years. The only thing I've found that works is to try and get to sleep asap (usually only using a sleeping pill works). This isn't ideal and a doctor won't recommend it but it's the only thing I've found that helps me.

If you can't get to sleep quickly (and stay asleep) then yoga stretches can help if you can find somewhere to stretch out on the floor by the exit doors.

I've been desperate before and I totally understand your point about jumping out of the plane!

Ackislander

There is a prescription drug being advertised on tv for RLS. Amusingly, the side effects are reduced impulse control, including possible sexual promiscuity and irresistable urges to gamble. I am not kidding!

djkbooks

I'm not sure what you mean by jumpy leg syndrome, but on flights my ankles tend to swell and feel very uncomfortable. I've found that avoiding the salty airline food prevents this completely.

Bushranger

If nothing else works I wouldn't bother with the promiscus pills but choose your tarket and do some ear whispering and you could join the high sex club thst'll work wonders.

KarinNp

I have restless leg sydrome and it is so much worse when I fly. I do know that mine is partly caused by low iron levels.

Yes, I wanted to jump out of the plane too.

How long has this been going on?

I tried a couple of OTC meds without any luck and went to my MD he rxed mirapex, so far no side effects. I also started prenantal vitamins for the iron and I have been able to lower the mirapex dose.

I can't take "just straight" iron.

Sue878

I have a similar problem going to Europe (on long trips), but MOSTLY coming back when I;m tired and just want to be home and off the plane. I try and sleep.

You're right you feel like you just want to jump out of the plane.

cherrybomb

Magnesium helps with restless leg syndrome. I take it regularly and sitting for long periods like on a plane makes it worse. I prefer Twin Labs brand, yes, there is a difference.

Robespierre

My jumpy legs seem to settle down about halfway through the second gin & tonic.

Mischka

I get it just as much when sitting around at home, but never when in bed as many people do.

I walk, walk, walk, round and round the plane...... it's enough to drive anyone nuts.

I am going to try the bitter lemon or tonic water thing. It would be really great if that worked, but I'm not very optomistic, sounds too good to be true for me.

I was told to take iron and magnesium but that didn't work either.

Good luck and please don't jump

eurogals

I have suffered from RLS for many years which prevents me from falling asleep. My doctor prescribed a pill called Trazadone.

It is a non-habit forming, non-narcotic pill which can be taken on a daily basis for the rest of your life without being habit forming, except in your mind.

I swear by it. I seldom if ever have RLS. It helps put me to sleep and there is no groggy after effects.

When I asked my doctor for Ambien to help put me to sleep so I wouldn't notice I had RLS, his comment was that he would never perscribe sleeping aids, especially on an airplane as with Ambien. Should there be an emergency you can't wake up and have a clear head.

Trazadone doesn't have any groggy effect, but it keeps me sleeping.

SusanM

I, too, have RLS. I only use an OTC remedy called Restful Legs - well, not true, I also take 500mg of magnesium a day for my fibromyalgia, but it probably helps the RLS, too. The Restful Legs always works for me within 15-20 minutes of taking it.