Restless Legs Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes and Relief

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common condition that creates an overwhelming urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. It typically strikes in the evening or at night and when resting, which can make falling and staying asleep difficult. Although it mainly affects the legs, the arms can be involved too. It is more than a minor annoyance; for some people it seriously disrupts sleep and quality of life, yet it is often under-recognised and dismissed as restlessness or fidgeting.

Recognising the symptoms

The key features of RLS include:

• An irresistible urge to move the legs, often with unpleasant sensations described as crawling, tingling, aching or pulling
• Symptoms that begin or worsen at rest, particularly in the evening or night
• Temporary relief from moving, stretching or walking
• Disrupted sleep and resulting daytime tiredness

Many people also experience periodic limb movements during sleep, which further fragment rest. Because poor sleep is a major consequence, our insomnia explained guide may also be useful. Symptoms can range from a mild, occasional nuisance to a nightly problem that severely undermines sleep, and they may come and go over time.

What causes it?

In many cases no single cause is found, and there may be a family tendency. RLS is also linked to changes in how the brain uses dopamine and to iron levels in the brain. Several factors can trigger or worsen it:

• Low iron levels
• Pregnancy, especially later stages, usually settling after birth
• Certain long-term conditions, including kidney disease and diabetes
• Some medicines
• Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine

How it is assessed

RLS is usually diagnosed from the typical pattern of symptoms. A doctor may check iron levels and review medicines and other conditions that could be contributing, since treating an underlying cause sometimes resolves the problem.

Relief and management

Lifestyle measures

For many people, simple changes make a real difference:

• Good sleep habits: A regular schedule and a comfortable, cool bedroom.
• Reduce triggers: Cutting back on caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, particularly in the evening.
• Movement and stretching: Gentle exercise during the day and stretching before bed.
• Comfort measures: Warm baths, massage or applying heat or cold to the legs.

Addressing underlying causes

If iron levels are low, correcting them under medical guidance can significantly improve symptoms. Reviewing any medicines that may be contributing is also worthwhile.

Medicines

When RLS is more severe, a doctor may consider medicines. Among the options are certain treatments that act on the nervous system, including pregabalin, which is sometimes used for troublesome RLS. Pregabalin is a controlled medicine and should never be stopped abruptly. You can read our Pregabalin guide and explore the pregabalin range, but any treatment must be individualised and supervised by a healthcare professional.

Living with restless legs

With a combination of lifestyle changes, attention to iron levels and, where needed, appropriate medicines, most people can manage RLS effectively and protect their sleep. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify personal triggers.

A note on caution with some treatments

Some older medicines used for RLS can, over time, paradoxically make symptoms worse, a phenomenon doctors are increasingly mindful of. This is one reason that treatment choices have evolved and that regular review is important. It also underlines why RLS medicines should always be chosen and monitored by a healthcare professional rather than self-managed.

When to seek help

See your doctor if the urge to move your legs regularly disrupts your sleep or daily life, if symptoms are worsening, or if you are pregnant and affected. They can check for underlying causes such as low iron and advise on the most suitable approach. Browse our shop all range, but seek professional advice before starting any treatment.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.