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From: Susan 
Newsgroups: alt.support.diabetes, fidonet.diabetes, misc.health.diabetes,
 msn.forums.chronic.disease.diabetes., hypoglycemia.support,
 alt.support.sleep-disorder, alt.support.sleep-disorders
Subject: Re: Tightening Of Leg Muscles At Night
Date: Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:50:48 -0500
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Pat Cook wrote:
> Hi everyone:
> 
> I'm wondering do you get a feeling in your legs that feels like you've just 
> pulled a muscle while tossing and turning as you find a comfortable position 
> to sleep in and THE ONLY way to cure it is to either stand up next to the 
> bed or walk around?  I do.  And the weird part of all is I sleep in a 
> hospital bed.
> 
> Now I've heard of RLS - Restless Leg Syndrome on those TV ads advertising 
> that drug.  Could what I'm experiencing be a classic symptom?
> 
> I've tried raising my legs.  I've tried lowering my legs.  Same thing with 
> the head (Though not too far as I have to have my head somewhat elevated). 
> I try to keep my feet elevated above my heart, but that's a little hard to 
> do when you have to keep your head elevated too.
> 
> Any ideas as to how I might solve the Catch 22 situation?
> 
> Cheers :D
> 
> Pat Cook
> Denver, Colorado 
> 
> 

If you are using insulin, or insulin sensitizing meds, you may need to 
supplement electrolytes, particularly potassium.  I had vicelike cramps 
in my feet and calves at night on metformin, which had to do with 
potassium excretion secondary to the adrenal suppression that comes with 
higher insulin levels or sensitivity (insulin inhibits the globulin that 
transpots cortisol to cells for use).

Try using some NuSalt or other potassium chloride salt substitute.  For 
immediate cramp relief (within a minute or three), I lick about a 1/2 
tsp. of NuSalt out of the palm of my hand, washed down with water.

Susan