Restless Legs Syndrome | Baylor Scott & White Health

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a movement disorder that causes a strong, often uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually when you're resting or trying to sleep. This urge is linked to uncomfortable sensations in the legs that people often describe as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling.

These sensations usually happen in the lower legs, especially in the calves, but they can also affect your thighs, ankles or even your arms. You may feel them in one or both legs. The urge to move usually gets worse when you're sitting or lying down, and moving the affected limb often brings temporary relief.

RLS is also considered a sleep disorder because symptoms typically get worse in the evening or at night, making it hard to relax or fall asleep. Over time, it can lead to poor sleep and daytime fatigue.

Anyone can develop RLS, but it’s more common in middle age and can become more severe over time. While there’s no cure, treatment options can help manage symptoms. These may include making lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health issues and taking medication if needed.

man unable to fall asleep due to restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome symptoms

The main symptom of restless legs syndrome is a strong urge to move your legs, especially when you're resting. This often comes with uncomfortable sensations in the legs or feet that people describe as creeping, crawling, tingling or pulling.

These sensations usually happen on both sides of the body and may occasionally affect the arms. It's common for symptoms to get better and worse. Sometimes symptoms disappear for periods of time, then come back.

Common signs and symptoms include:

Uncomfortable sensations that start during rest: Symptoms usually begin when you’ve been sitting or lying down for a while, such as during a long car ride, on a plane or while watching a movie.
Relief with movement: Moving your legs by stretching, walking or shifting positions often brings short-term relief.
Worsening in the evening or at night: RLS symptoms are typically more noticeable in the evening, which can interfere with falling or staying asleep.
Nighttime leg twitching: Some people also have a related condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, which causes the legs to twitch or kick during sleep, sometimes all night.

RLS can lead to sleep problems that affect your daily life. These may include:

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
The need to get out of bed to stretch or move your legs
Daytime tiredness or fatigue
Mood or behavior changes
Trouble focusing, remembering things or paying attention
Feelings of anxiety or depression

When to see a doctor

If you notice an ongoing urge to move your legs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations—especially if these symptoms make it hard to relax or sleep—it’s a good idea to talk to your primary care provider.

A doctor can help determine if you have restless legs syndrome or another condition causing your symptoms. They can also recommend treatment options to help relieve discomfort and improve your sleep and overall quality of life.

What does restless leg syndrome feel like?

People with restless legs syndrome often describe the symptoms as strong, uncomfortable sensations deep in the legs or feet—not on the surface of the skin. These feelings usually happen on both sides of the body, although they can sometimes affect just one side or even the arms.

The sensations are often hard to describe, but common descriptions include:

Crawling
Creeping
Pulling
Throbbing
Aching
Itching
Electric or buzzing sensations

Unlike muscle cramps or numbness, RLS doesn't usually cause pain in the traditional sense. Instead, it's the overwhelming need to move your legs that stands out. People with RLS often find that moving their legs is the only way to get temporary relief from the discomfort.

woman cannot sleep due to restless legs syndrome

What causes restless legs syndrome?

The exact cause of restless legs syndrome remains unknown. However, it commonly runs in families, and scientists have identified specific gene variants linked to the condition.

Restless legs syndrome might also be connected to problems with the basal ganglia, which is a part of the brain responsible for movement. An abnormal level of dopamine, a brain chemical the basal ganglia use to smooth muscle actions, can lead to involuntary movements.

Some medications, including certain anti-nausea drugs, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants and antihistamines, can worsen symptoms of restless legs syndrome. It can also be a sign of other health conditions, such as:

End-stage kidney disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Pregnancy
Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders
Low iron levels

Restless legs syndrome risk factors

Scientists have identified several factors that might put some groups of people at higher risk of restless legs syndrome. However, having risk factors does not mean that you will develop the condition.

Some common risk factors include:

Age: RLS can happen at any age, but it’s more likely to start in middle age or later.
Family history: If a parent has RLS, you may be more likely to develop it too.
Sex: Women are more likely to have RLS than men.
Lifestyle habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine can trigger or worsen symptoms.
Pregnancy: RLS is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester.
Other health conditions: Certain conditions like iron deficiency, spinal cord problems or Parkinson’s disease may increase your risk.

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

If you think you might have restless legs syndrome, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and check for other possible causes. There’s no one test to diagnose RLS, so your doctor will use a combination of questions, a physical exam and possibly some lab tests to figure out what’s going on and recommend a treatment plan that works for you.

Medical history and exam

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms—when they start, how often they happen and what helps them feel better. They’ll want to know if the urge to move your legs gets worse when you’re resting and if it improves when you move. You’ll also be asked about your sleep habits, any health conditions you have and whether anyone in your family has had similar symptoms.

A physical exam will help check your muscles, nerves and reflexes. This helps rule out other problems that could be causing your symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome treatment

While there’s no cure for restless legs syndrome, treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. The best treatment plan depends on how severe your symptoms are and whether another condition may be contributing to them, like low iron levels or a chronic health issue. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medication or therapies that can help calm your symptoms and improve sleep.

Find specialized care for restless legs syndrome near you

At Baylor Scott & White, we offer specialized care and treatment options for people with restless legs syndrome. With neurology centers located across North and Central Texas, our team is focused on your health and well-being. Whether you're seeking a diagnosis or need ongoing treatment, we are here by your side every step of the way.

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

Baylor Scott & White - Plano Brain and Spine Center

4708 Alliance Blvd Pavilion I, Ste 810, Plano, TX, 75093

What is restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome symptoms

When to see a doctor

What does restless leg syndrome feel like?

What causes restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome risk factors

How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?

Medical history and exam

Blood tests

Sleep study

Restless legs syndrome treatment

Lifestyle changes

Medication

Tonic motor activation

Find specialized care for restless legs syndrome near you

Frequently asked questions

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