Legs falling asleep, any need to worry?!
Question: I am 25 yr old female, a bit overweight, I recently started going to the gym just about every day....but this problem has been here long before that.
No matter what way I sit it seems my legs fall asleep! And yes it is just about EVERY time I sit down...crossed legged, straight legged, but no problem when I lay down. Sometimes I don't even notice until I touch one and it is numb or until it starts to be uncomfortable. I was just curious of what I should watch for ...could this be something serious? I do also have an issue with being super sleepy all the time (part of the reason I started going to the gym....needed a kick start and I thought maybe in part was due to my inability to get a good nights sleep...but even when I do I still need a nap) Could they be related? Will going to the gym help eventually or does this sound like it could be something medical that can't be fixed with gym activity/losing weight?
Answers: I am 25 yr old female, a bit overweight, I recently started going to the gym just about every day....but this problem has been here long before that.
No matter what way I sit it seems my legs fall asleep! And yes it is just about EVERY time I sit down...crossed legged, straight legged, but no problem when I lay down. Sometimes I don't even notice until I touch one and it is numb or until it starts to be uncomfortable. I was just curious of what I should watch for ...could this be something serious? I do also have an issue with being super sleepy all the time (part of the reason I started going to the gym....needed a kick start and I thought maybe in part was due to my inability to get a good nights sleep...but even when I do I still need a nap) Could they be related? Will going to the gym help eventually or does this sound like it could be something medical that can't be fixed with gym activity/losing weight?
Especially if you have just started exercising, it could be from a nerve which is being pinched or injured in some way. Could you have hurt your back at some point in the past or re-injured it? This is most likely the cause -- lots of people have "sciatica" which is where the nerves doing down the legs are affected. It can be relieved by changing the position of how you're sitting. Most likely if this is the case, you will find that as you lose weight it will get better.
As for being tired. Do you get a good, full 8-9 hours of sleep at night? If not, then you need to make sure you begin with that. Not drinking caffeine and not smoking 3-4 hours before bedtime will help you get a more restful night's sleep. As will making sure you have a set bedtime --- it's not just for kids! That way your body will adjust to the time schedule and will be able to regulate itself.
As for both problems together, you might want to look at your diet. Nutritional defiencies can cause both problems. If you are not getting the fruits, vegetables and other major needs for your body - especially now that you're working out -- you might want to consider taking a good multivitamin. The B vitamins and Vitamin D are all associated with both your sleepiness and your legs falling asleep --- as is potassium deficiency. I'd suggest you at least try this -- sure can't hurt!
I would see a doctor to check for clotage the artery's in your legs , they usually give you a MRI .which is painless , it also tells them about your circulation in your body. your way to young to have thos kind of problem .(check it out)
circulation problems see a GP vascular problems
This could be a circulation problem or a side effect of medicine.