Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

What is Restless Legs Syndrome?

One of the sleep-related movement disorders, restless legs syndrome or RLS affects 13% of Americans, according to a 2024 survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, it is a neurological disorder of the primary central nervous system that makes you need to move your legs to feel better.

You may also feel itching, “crawling,” throbbing or aching in one or both legs as well as leg jerking.

What Are Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome?

You may also experience these signs of RLS occasionally or every day:

Initiation of symptoms after resting, including sitting for a long time
The need to keep legs moving to stop the strange feelings, including getting up to walk
More frequent symptoms when you’re trying to go to sleep and stay asleep, but these dissipate in the early morning
Similar sensations in the arms
Sleep problems

Research shows that patients with RLS may develop hypertension, headache and sleep difficulties.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Restless Legs Syndrome?

Family history may contribute to developing RLS in 25% to 75% of cases. Perhaps 30% of pregnant women develop this condition.

Several medical conditions may play a role in what’s called “secondary” RLS, including iron deficiency, diabetes, fibromyalgia, celiac disease, or end-stage renal disease. Primary RLS has no definitive cause. Some medications may cause or worsen symptoms, including neuroleptics, antidepressants such as tricyclic and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and beta-blockers. Alcohol and caffeine may also play a role.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Restless Legs Syndrome?

Your sleep specialist may recommend that you:

Exercise regularly
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine
Massage your legs
Use a heating pad or ice pack

Connection With Other Sleep Disorders

Sometimes people with RLS also develop periodic limb movements in their sleep, when their arms, legs or both jerk and twitch. Most patients are less aware of this connection because it happens while they are asleep.

Research shows that patients with sleep apnea may also have RLS. There are no indications that one causes the other. Instead, sleep apnea and RLS may share some of the same risk factors.

Memorial Hermann Sleep Disorders Centers

Living with symptoms of RLS may be disruptive to your life and can impact your health and well-being. Speak with your primary care provider about your symptoms to learn if a sleep study may be right for you.