Hi Debbie - I've read some of your recent posts & wanted to send good wishes your way.
It's great that you're finding sleep remedies that help you. You're really making the effort and it WILL PAY OFF!
It's interesting to me how our bodies want different solutions, sometimes even at different times. I've tried 5HTP & got nothing, though most people love it. I agree with you on the magesium & potassium - they help. I notice what high levels of pot you feel you need right now. Just keep rechecking - it might shift. (I'm that way on mag - I've gone WAY high on it from time to time.)
Maybe I overlooked it, but I wanted to share one cramp remedy that is my top choice - it's apple cider vinegar. (People who believe in it rave about in all sorts of ways.) Someone told me it's high in potassium and gets into your system fast. Check with your body to see if this might be of help
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Now even when not Low carbing, I get lots of cramps - they throw me out of the bed & I know how painful they can be - then & later. I've had more occasions than I could count when I couldn't stand and have done the begging God for help thing - not a pretty picture.
Most people don't understand how much of a crisis bad cramps can be.
So my personal stop cramp attack includes: slugging down apple cider vinegar, 3 good swallows (I take it straight, chased by water - many folks just drink a few drops mixed in water, which is what my Dr. suggested as a prebedtime tonic). I also use l-taurine (my body craves aminos) kava, and my pot/mag supp. Then I immediately head for the shower. Once I manage to get in (a challenging feat in itself sometimes) I direct the hottest water I can stand at the area that's cramping. Of course, I also rub & massage the best I can - I've tried the slap your legs method, but it bruises! And I walk - and walk - and walk - I've worn a groove going in circles in my little apartment!
Have your husband help with the massage stimulation. There's an accupressure spot on the back side of your thigh (about mid way or a hand's width above your knee) that REALLY works.
I've also heard that horsetail herb can help. Did you know that hypoglycemia, FM, food allergies, low thyroid (& more imbalances, I'm sure) can EACH cause cramps? When I made that correlation, it was like - well, great - no wonder I have the darn things. I'd add exertion and stress to that list of aggravating factors.
One thing that recently changed for me - I'm doing allergy clearing treatments and when I described my "thigh screamers", the doc determined that reactions to sulfites were the primary cause. I went from 8-13 or more per month to only 2 of them in the last 8 months, for that one area of cramping! Whew - I'll take it - they were the worst.
Hope some of this helps, and even more, hope you have a day with smoothness and high energy. ~