WHAT IS RESTLESS LEGS SYNDROME?
- Imtiaz Ahmad MD, MPH, FCCP
- Updated on: October 27, 2022
- January 8, 2019
- Restless Leg Syndrome

Table of Contents
KEY POINTS
Restless Leg symptoms include: Feeling a strong urge to move your legs when you are resting or sitting still. You also may have a creepy-crawly, tugging, itchy or tingly sensation.
Symptoms get better when you walk, stretch or kick. They may return once you stop moving.
Many people who have RLS also kick or jerk their legs while sleeping.
Symptoms are worse in the evening or nighttime hours.
Symptoms are not caused by leg cramps, muscles aches or arthritis.
Am I at Risk ?
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Tips
Eat a well-balanced diet including foods rich in iron.
Get some exercise every day.
Stretch or massage the legs when you notice RLS symptoms.
Use heating pads on your legs when you are awake or take a warm bath to reduce symptoms.
Reduce your level of stress.
Limit caffeine and alcohol and do not smoke. All of these can worsen RLS.
Next Steps
- Talk with your doctor about your symptoms. It may help to write down your symptoms including the time of day when they occur.
- Discuss all of your medications and herbal supplements with your doctor. Some of these could cause RLS symptoms or make them worse.
- Your doctor may test your iron levels.
- Your doctor may schedule you for a sleep study if you have symptoms of a sleep disorder like sleep apnea.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: CONTENT DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
