Restless legs syndrome

Medically reviewed by Valerie Cacho, MD, board-certified sleep medicine physician

 

In short: Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, causes a strong, often uncomfortable urge to move your legs. It shows up when you're sitting or lying still, eases when you move, and tends to be worst in the evening and at night, which makes it hard to fall and stay asleep.

 

Common signs

• Crawling, pulling, aching, itching or "electric" feelings deep in the legs

• Symptoms that start during rest, such as watching TV, a long drive or bedtime

• Relief from walking, stretching or moving the legs

• Symptoms that get worse later in the day

• Leg twitches or kicks during sleep that a partner may notice

 

What can cause or worsen it

RLS often runs in families. Low iron is one of the most important, and most fixable, contributors; heavy periods, frequent blood donation and gut bleeding can all lower iron. Pregnancy, kidney disease, nerve damage in the feet and legs, and some medications, such as certain antihistamines and antidepressants, can also bring it on or make it worse. It is more common in women and as we get older.

 

How we diagnose and treat it

RLS is diagnosed mainly from your description of the symptoms. We usually check your iron levels, including ferritin, and review your medications and other health conditions.

 

Treatment starts with the cause: replacing iron when it is low, adjusting medications that aggravate symptoms, and building habits that help, like regular activity and limiting alcohol and caffeine. When symptoms still disrupt sleep, prescription treatment can help.

 

Legs keeping you up at night?

Book an appointment in person in Fullerton, Los Alamitos or Ewa Beach, or by telehealth anywhere in California and Hawaii. Call (657) 553-3799 in California or (808) 500-7077 in Hawaii.

 

Source: Mayo Clinic, "Restless legs syndrome." This page is for education only and is not a substitute for a medical evaluation.