your not the only one...
my legs keep me- and my lover awake at night

You are not alone. I've had this condition off and on for many years but only lately since I injured my back has it worsened.My Father and his Father before him has or had the same problem. Must be something in the genes? Some nights are worse than others but I'll have some form of it every night at bedtime.I find that a good strong marguarita or sex or both ( especially both )helps take some of the edge off.Once I go into sound sleep on these nights it doesn't seem as bad.

Sounds like none of you have consulted with an MD. How did you get diagnosed?

After sleeping in a sleep lab for a night and a day, they found I move 60 times a minute. No wonder I was so tired. I now take neurontin before bed and don't kick my husband or move the blankets all over the king size bed.

Hi, just found this tribe.
I was diagnosed with the severe version of RLS 2 years ago. My symptoms had actually started some 20 years ago and went from a few contractions of an arm or leg to lasting from 6pm to 5am every night now.
I had no idea what was going on before my diagnosis.
Recent bloodwork has found that I'm severly calcium and iron deficient. Some research on the subject seems to indicate that these things contribute to the problem. My iron is so low that my doctor says if it drops 2 more points I'll need a blood transfusion. :-( I've also found that cutting way back on daily caffiene intake and eliminating it alltogether after 6pm greatly reduces the symptoms for me.
My Dr. started me on taking Requip about a month ago and finally I can rest at night. The packaging says that this is the only FDA approved treatment for severe to moderate RLS symptoms. I would like to hear from anyone else who takes this if they'll respond. It works beautifully for me but causes some mild nausea.
Anyway, Todd, you are by no means alone...we are the many and the insomnic. sigh....nice to meet you.
Tracey