Restless Legs

Summary

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting. Some people describe it as a creeping, crawling, tingling, or burning sensation. Moving makes your legs feel better, but not for long. RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep.

In most cases, there is no known cause for RLS. In other cases, RLS is caused by a disease or condition, such as anemia or pregnancy. Some medicines can also cause temporary RLS. Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol may make symptoms worse.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques, and moderate exercise during the day can help. If those don’t work, medicines may reduce the symptoms of RLS.

Most people with RLS also have a condition called periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD). PLMD is a condition in which a person’s legs twitch or jerk uncontrollably, usually during sleep. PLMD and RLS can also affect the arms.

NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Restless Legs Syndrome National Institutes of Health

Start Here

• Disruptive Leg Movement? Managing Restless Legs Syndrome National Institutes of Health
• Restless Leg Syndrome American Academy of Family Physicians
• Restless Legs Syndrome National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
• Restless Legs Syndrome Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Restless Legs Syndrome American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Find an Expert

• Find a Sleep Center Near You American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Related Issues

• Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Merck & Co., Inc.

Journal Articles

• Restless Legs

Patient Handouts

• Restless legs syndrome Medical Encyclopedia

Genetics

• Restless legs syndrome: MedlinePlus Genetics National Library of Medicine

Diagnosis and Tests

• Sleep Study National Library of Medicine

Children

• Sleep Study (Polysomnogram) Nemours Foundation