Restless Legs

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is when you feel a strong need to move your legs, especially when you're trying to rest. It usually happens at night and can make it hard to sleep.

What does it feel like?

People with restless legs syndrome often describe:

• A strong urge to move their legs
• Uncomfortable feelings like tingling, throbbing or itching in their legs
• Pain in their legs
• Symptoms that get worse when resting, especially at night
• Problems getting to sleep or staying asleep

Some people also get these feelings in their arms or other parts of their body.

What causes restless legs syndrome?

Doctors think restless legs syndrome is linked to:

• Iron levels in your body
• A brain chemical called dopamine

Often there's no clear reason why someone gets it. However, you're more likely to have it if someone in your family has it too.

It can also be linked to:

• Pregnancy (symptoms usually go away after the baby is born)
• Not having enough iron in your blood (iron deficiency anaemia)
• Kidney disease
• Some medicines

What can you do to help yourself?

There are several things you can try to reduce your symptoms:

Do:

• Exercise during the day
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
• Make your bedroom dark and quiet - use curtains, blinds, eye masks or ear plugs if needed
• Try a warm bath before bed or use heat pads on your legs
• Walk, stretch or massage your legs when symptoms start
• Try distracting activities like reading, games or puzzles
• Get help to stop smoking if you smoke

Don't:

• Have caffeine (tea, coffee, energy drinks) after midday
• Drink alcohol for at least 2 hours before bed
• Eat big meals or do hard exercise late at night
• Use phones or tablets right before bed
• Nap during the day

When to see your GP

Speak to your GP if you have symptoms of restless legs syndrome and:

• It's stopping you from sleeping
• It's affecting your mental health
• You've tried the self-help tips but they haven't worked

How is it treated?

Treatment depends on what's causing your restless legs syndrome.

If another condition is the cause, treating that might help. For example, if you have low iron levels, you might need iron tablets.

Your GP might check what other medicines you're taking, as some can make symptoms worse.

You might be given medicine such as:

• Pregabalin or gabapentin
• Painkillers like codeine or tramadol
• Medicines to help with sleep
• Medicines to increase dopamine levels (only used occasionally or if other treatments don't work)

If your symptoms don't get better, your GP might refer you to a specialist for more tests and treatment.

Living with restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome can be hard to live with. If it's affecting your mental health, treatments like talking therapies might help. Always speak to your GP about how you're feeling and what support is available.

Remember, there are treatments that can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.