Do I have restless legs syndrome?

Ever feel like your legs just won’t sit still, especially when you’re trying to sleep? You might have restless legs syndrome (RLS), a movement disorder that makes it hard to relax — especially at night.

It can disrupt your sleep and impact your stamina the next day, so it’s beneficial to understand ways to find relief and rest.

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome, also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition affecting the brain and nerves that causes an irresistible urge to move. Triggered by rest or inactivity, RLS creates discomfort that people describe as crawling, pulling or throbbing sensations. It’s also likened to an electrical impulse in the legs.

How common is restless legs syndrome?

RLS is more common than you might think, affecting as many as 1 in 10 people in the U.S., with symptoms that range from mild to severe. It occurs more frequently in women, partly due to its connection to iron deficiency, which can result from menstrual issues.

Symptoms of restless legs syndrome

The most common symptom of RLS is an irresistible urge to move your legs. You may have it if these statements apply:

• You have uncomfortable or unsettling feelings in your legs, especially when lying in bed.
• You experience similar irritation at other times, especially in the evenings.
• You feel better when you move your feet.

What causes restless legs syndrome?

The exact cause of the disorder is not yet clear, but several risk factors are associated with the condition, including iron deficiency.

Iron plays a role in regulating dopamine, a chemical in the brain that helps control movement. In iron deficiency, there may be an imbalance in dopamine levels in the brain, which may trigger RLS symptoms.

Intravenous or oral iron supplementation can be an effective treatment for RLS in people with iron deficiency. It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan.

Research has determined other risks for RLS, including:

• It often runs in families.
• Up to 1 in 4 women develop it during pregnancy, but symptoms often disappear after giving birth.
• It is common in patients requiring dialysis for kidney disease.
• Damage to the nerves of the hands or feet, including the kind that’s caused by diabetes, can contribute to RLS.

What causes restless legs syndrome to flare up?

The syndrome can start at any age, even during childhood, but it’s more common as people get older.

Caffeine in chocolate and beverages such as coffee, tea and soft drinks can trigger RLS. Some people also report a worsening of RLS with a diet high in refined sugar. Smoking, alcohol use and stress are also associated with RLS problems.

Certain over-the-counter drugs and prescription medications — like sleep aids, antihistamines, antidepressants and antinausea medications — can cause RLS or make symptoms worse.

Poor sleep can exacerbate symptoms of restless legs syndrome. Improving sleep by addressing restless legs syndrome and other sleep problems can reduce RLS flare-ups.

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

There isn’t a diagnostic test for RLS. However, your health care provider can confirm a diagnosis by asking questions about your symptoms, sleep quality, lifestyle and overall health.

Treatment options for restless legs syndrome

Treatment for RLS may include taking medications or adjusting your home routine to help alleviate your symptoms. Some people may reduce their symptoms by working with their healthcare provider to manage other underlying health conditions.

Home remedies

• Self-care: Use heating and cooling pads, leg massages and warm baths to relax your muscles and decrease RLS symptoms.
• Stimulants: Avoid caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.
• Nutrition: Eat healthy foods, including ones that contain iron, vitamin D and potassium.
• Exercise: Include physical activities, such as walking, biking, or yoga, in your routine to lower stress and promote restful sleep.
• Sleep hygiene: Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep to maintain cognitive function, emotional well-being and overall fitness.

Medications

When iron supplements and lifestyle changes don’t improve symptoms, a doctor might add medication to your RLS treatment plan. Common medicines for RLS include:

• Alpha-2-delta ligands. These nerve-calming medications can help improve RLS symptoms. Examples of alpha-2-delta ligands include gabapentin (Neurontin), gabapentin enacarbil (Horizant), and pregabalin (Lyrica).
• Dopamine boosters. These medications can activate your dopamine receptors, which can improve your mood and help control muscle movement associated with RLS. However, they are no longer recommended as a primary method for reducing symptoms due to potential long-term complications.
• Opioids. Opioids can be prescribed to address pain associated with RLS. Since they can be addictive, they are the last line of defense when other medications can’t tame RLS-related symptoms, including pain.

Benefits of addressing restless legs syndrome

Getting help with RLS can improve more than just your sleep. Effective treatment may reduce anxiety, boost your mood and help you feel more like yourself. It can also improve your focus, work performance and overall quality of life.