Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

Has anyone seen any evidence that video games either console or pc has triggered or stimulated RLS episodes. I am a video game enthusiast, or an addict if you ask my wife. I play them regularly on my xbox or playstation2 or on the pc. I will play at night for long hours or the weekends for long hours. I play during episodes of RLS and without. Just curious if anyone has a comments. Sleep tight. LOL.

Can't say that I remember anyone stating to that effect. I think, generally, the opposite has been true. That is, things such as video games etc act as a mind or thought diversion which helps people deal with their rls and related pain. I know that is the case for me. But, I have to admit that I am not a video game junkie and do not own an x-box or those types of games. I do enjoy engaging in some tamer versions on the internet or my i-pod.

Best wishes,

M.

Off and on, I'll find a game I like and play incessantly for a week or four. It never seems to exacerbate my RLS. In fact, as mentioned, it's a great distraction and I think I suffer less.

Full disclosure: I write video games, and the more people who play them, the more gold I have to line my pockets. ;)

I'd agree with everyone so far - it's a distraction and tends to help. That is Jill Gunzel's entire theory - she wrote the book The RLS Rebel.

I can play video games for hours and my legs are fine. Then, I'll go sit on the couch and watch a presidential debate and my legs freaks out.

Same with reading a good book. I still don't quite understand how it helps from a physiological standpoint but it does. Happy gaming! Far Cry2, Call of Duty 4, and Fallout 3 are rockin' right now.