What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common condition where you have an urge to move your legs to relieve unpleasant sensations.

About 1 in 10 people will have restless legs syndrome at some time in their life. It can start at any age, but the risk increases as you get older. Your chances of having RLS is higher if it runs in your family.

Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you are more likely to experience restless legs syndrome, especially during your third trimester.

What are the symptoms of restless legs syndrome?

If you have restless legs syndrome, you might have:

• unpleasant sensations in your legs, such as burning, tingling, aching, itching, pins and needles, electric currents or insects crawling under your skin
• an urge to move your legs because of these sensations
• uncontrolled twitching or jerking movements of your legs at night
• similar sensations in your arms

Symptoms are usually worse in the evening and at night, especially when you're trying to fall asleep. They often start when you're resting, lying down or sitting for a long time.

This can make it hard for you to fall asleep. It can also wake you up during the night. You might not get enough sleep, which can make you feel irritable or tired during the day.

You may be able to relieve your symptoms in the short-term by:

• moving around in bed
• stretching or rubbing your legs
• getting up and walking around

What causes restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome can be caused by many different things, including:

• iron deficiency
• pregnancy
• kidney failure

Restless legs syndrome may also be related to other conditions, such as:

• diabetes
• Parkinson's disease
• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• peripheral neuropathy (a type of nerve damage)

Your symptoms may get worse if you:

• have too much caffeine
• drink alcohol, especially near bedtime
• take certain medicines, such as antihistamines and antidepressants

Usually, no cause is found.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you have symptoms of restless legs syndrome.

It's important to get a diagnosis and treatment because RLS can:

• impact your sleep and cause insomnia
• lead to daytime sleepiness
• affect your daytime functioning

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also ask about what medicines you are taking.

There is no test for restless legs syndrome, but you may need a blood test to rule out other reasons for your symptoms.

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist neurologist to try to find the cause and recommend treatment.

How is restless legs syndrome treated?

If your restless legs syndrome is related to another condition, the first step is to treat that condition.

Your doctor may recommend you stop taking any medicines that may make your symptoms worse.

Your doctor might recommend iron supplements if you have low levels of iron in your blood.

Self-care at home

There are things you can try to ease the symptoms and improve your sleep. These include:

• hot baths, heat packs, ice packs and leg massages
• reducing your caffeine and alcohol intake
• regular exercise
• having healthy sleep habits

For many people, this is all that's needed.

You can also try to avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse, such as:

• sitting still for a long time
• long car trips
• sitting in a movie theatre
• long-distance flights

Medicines for restless legs syndrome

If your symptoms still affect your sleep or quality of life, there are medicines that can help. You can talk to your doctor about this.

Sometimes, a medicine will stop working after you've been taking it for a while. You might need to switch to a different medicine.

Complications of restless legs syndrome

Possible complications of restless legs syndrome include:

• mood and anxiety disorders
• insomnia
• daytime sleepiness
• problems with your daytime functioning, such as work
• reduced quality of life

Resources and support

If you would like health advice on restless legs syndrome, you can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.