Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

What Are the Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?

The sensations associated with RLS typically are not described as painful, both bothersome or distracting. This makes them difficult to characterize. The words and phrases most commonly used by people with RLS to describe the feelings are: Trusted Source American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) AASM sets standards and promotes excellence in sleep medicine health care, education, and research. View Source

• “Twitchy”
• “Uncomfortable”
• “Restless”
• “Need to stretch”
• “Urge to move”

Restless Legs Syndrome and Insomnia

The urge to move one’s legs makes falling asleep difficult for many people with RLS. A study found that 88% of individuals Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source with RLS reported at least one sleep-related symptom. RLS symptoms often appear shortly after lying down at night and some people with RLS are compelled to get out of bed and kick, stretch, or massage their legs.

As a result of the sleep disturbances associated with RLS, individuals often experience fatigue and daytime sleepiness. Sleep deficiency (reduced sleep quantity and sleep quality) is often associated Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) The NHLBI is the nation's leader in the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. View Source with RLS, as well as depression, anxiety, heart disease, and obesity. Concerns about sleep and evening discomfort are the main reason people with RLS seek medical care for their condition.

Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder

Most people Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source who have RLS also have a condition called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD involves repetitive flexing or twitching of the lower limbs that, because they occur during sleep, people are often not aware of them.

PLMD differs from RLS in that movements occur during sleep and are not accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. However, PLMD-associated movements can cause a person to wake up and therefore can compound sleep issues in patients who also have RLS. Although most people with RLS have PLMD, PLMD can exist independently of RLS.

What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?

Sometimes, RLS is associated with other medical conditions, such as late-stage kidney disease, iron deficiency, neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.

RLS can also occur temporarily during pregnancy, with around 20% of women Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source developing RLS during the third trimester. The symptoms of RLS typically decline and even resolve after delivery.

However, the cause of most RLS cases is unknown. RLS may have a genetic component. Between 40% and 90% of people with RLS have at least one first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with the condition. Researchers have identified some genetic changes that increase risk for RLS, but it is likely that more have yet to be discovered.

“People experiencing RLS symptoms benefit from the validation that this is a real condition that can get better (and even be resolved) with proper management.”

Dr. Audrey Wells

Sleep Medicine Physician, CPAP Expert , MD

Restless Legs Syndrome Risk Factors

Sitting or resting are common triggers for RLS symptoms. Additionally, some substances can make symptoms worse. These include:

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Nicotine
• Medications, including certain drugs used to treat nausea, colds and allergies, and mental health conditions

Incidentally, most of these substances when taken in excess or too close to bedtime can also adversely affect our sleep architecture.

“In addition to lifestyle interventions, prescription medication or even various forms of iron supplementation could be helpful. Although there can be some trial-and-error to find the best RLS treatment regimen, the relief is significant and noticeable for years to come.”

Dr. Audrey Wells

Sleep Medicine Physician, CPAP Expert , MD

How Is Restless Legs Syndrome Managed?

The goals of treatment for RLS are to stabilize symptoms and improve sleep consistency. There are both non-medicinal and lifestyle approaches and drug treatments available to manage RLS.

Pharmacological treatments during pregnancy are limited due to risk (or unknown risk) to the development of the baby. A sleep medicine specialist should be consulted for complicated or high-risk cases.

Home Care Tips for Restless Legs Syndrome

The following approaches can reduce symptoms of mild or moderate RLS and may be used in combination with medication for severe symptoms of RLS.

• Sleep hygiene: Good sleep hygiene means maintaining a bedroom environment, a consistent sleep schedule, and a daily routine that supports high-quality sleep. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine is especially important because these substances can worsen symptoms.
• Exercise: Because physical inactivity often triggers RLS symptoms, exercise may be helpful. A research study found that RLS patients showed a 39% reduction in symptom severity after six weeks of engaging in an exercise program compared to an 8% symptom reduction in patients who did not exercise.
• Pneumatic pressure therapy: Pneumatic compression devices increase blood flow to the legs by filling with air to squeeze the legs. Researchers found that the device improved Trusted Source Elsevier Elsevier is a publishing company that aims to help researchers and health care professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. View Source RLS symptoms, quality-of-life, and fatigue after one month of daily use compared to a control group.
• Massage and hot baths: Using massage, pressure on the legs (such as with a weighted blanket), and hot baths to stimulate the legs is widely recommended Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source in RLS literature; however, there is limited scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of these methods at this time.