Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): Quick help and treatment

Can't stop your legs from twitching at night? That uncomfortable urge to move, often worse when you rest, is called restless legs syndrome (RLS). It steals sleep and can sap your mood and focus.

Typical signs are an almost irresistible need to move your legs, crawling or tingling feelings, symptoms that appear or worsen at night, and relief when you move. Symptoms can be occasional or nightly and range from annoying to disabling.

Causes vary. Low iron or low ferritin, kidney disease, pregnancy, and some medications are common triggers. Family history matters: RLS often runs in families. Certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and some cold medicines can make symptoms worse.

What causes RLS and how to check

RLS is a clinical diagnosis—doctors mostly rely on your story and symptoms. Simple blood tests can find treatable problems. Check iron status: doctors usually aim for ferritin above 50 ng/mL; if ferritin is low, iron supplements or IV iron help. Thyroid, kidney function, and blood sugar checks may also be useful. Tell your doctor about all medicines you take; swapping an offending drug can bring big relief.

Fast relief and treatment options

Start with small, proven changes. Cut late-day caffeine and nicotine. Avoid heavy alcohol at night. Build a regular sleep schedule and keep your bedroom cool and calm. Try moderate daytime exercise—walks or gentle cycling—but avoid intense workouts close to bedtime. Stretching your calves, leg massage, warm baths, or a heating pad can soothe symptoms before bed.

Compression socks and vibrating pads help some people by changing nerve signals in the legs. Intermittent pneumatic compression devices are an option when symptoms are bad.

If lifestyle fixes aren't enough, medication can help. First-line drugs include dopamine agonists like pramipexole or ropinirole and alpha-2-delta ligands such as gabapentin or pregabalin. Iron therapy treats cases tied to low ferritin. For severe, treatment-resistant cases, short courses of opioids are sometimes used under close medical supervision. Be aware of risks: dopamine drugs can cause augmentation, where symptoms worsen over time, and other meds can have side effects. Discuss benefits and risks with your doctor.

Keep a simple symptom diary for a week: note when RLS starts, what you ate, medicines, caffeine, exercise, and sleep. Patterns pop up fast and make it easier to talk to your doctor. Some people find magnesium or vitamin D helpful, but check levels first—random supplements won't fix iron-related RLS.

Pregnancy often brings temporary RLS, usually in the third trimester; symptoms usually ease after delivery. Kids can get RLS too—if a child complains about nightly leg discomfort or poor sleep, ask a pediatrician about iron testing and safe options. With good testing and simple habits, most people get meaningful relief.

If they worsen, see a doctor. A clear plan—tests, iron check, and tailored treatment—can cut symptoms and help you sleep again.