Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological condition that causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs, usually because of uncomfortable sensations. It's considered both a movement disorder and a sleep disorder, because symptoms typically strike in the evening and at night — disrupting sleep and leaving people exhausted the next day.

RLS is very common and ranges from mildly annoying to seriously disruptive. The good news is that it responds well to treatment once properly diagnosed.

What Does Restless Leg Syndrome Feel Like?

People describe RLS sensations in many ways — they're often hard to put into words. Common descriptions include:

• An urge to move the legs that's hard or impossible to resist
• Crawling, creeping, pulling, throbbing, or “electric” feelings deep in the legs
• Itching or aching that isn't on the skin's surface
• Discomfort that eases when you move — walking, stretching, or jiggling the legs
• Symptoms that are worse at rest and worse in the evening or at night

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

In many cases, RLS is related to how the brain uses dopamine, a chemical that helps control muscle movement. It often runs in families, especially when it begins earlier in life. RLS can also be triggered or worsened by other factors, including:

• Low iron levels — one of the most important and treatable contributors
• Pregnancy, particularly the last trimester
• Chronic conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and peripheral neuropathy
• Certain medications, including some antidepressants, antihistamines, and anti-nausea drugs
• Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine
• Sleep deprivation

Because some causes — like low iron — are treatable, finding out why you have RLS is a key part of getting lasting relief.

Why Are My Restless Legs Worse at Night?

RLS symptoms follow the body's daily rhythm and naturally peak in the evening and overnight. On top of that, lying still in bed removes the movement that normally relieves the sensations — so the urge to move becomes more noticeable right when you're trying to fall asleep. This is why RLS so often interferes with sleep, and why daytime fatigue is one of its biggest tolls.

How to Stop Restless Legs: Relief and Treatment

Treatment depends on how often and how severely symptoms occur. Many people improve with lifestyle changes; others benefit from treating an underlying cause or adding medication.

Restless Leg Syndrome and Pregnancy

RLS is common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, and often improves after delivery. Because some treatments aren't appropriate during pregnancy, it's important to manage symptoms safely — checking iron levels and using gentle, non-drug strategies first. If RLS is affecting your sleep during pregnancy, talk with your doctor about safe options.

How RLS Is Diagnosed

There's no single lab test for RLS — it's diagnosed based on your symptoms and history. An evaluation typically includes:

• A review of your symptoms — the urge to move, timing, and relief with movement
• Medical and family history, since RLS often runs in families
• Blood tests, especially to check iron levels and rule out other causes
• A review of your medications to identify anything that may be contributing

This straightforward evaluation usually points clearly to the diagnosis and the best treatment path.

When to See a Neurologist

Consider seeing a neurologist if:

• RLS is disrupting your sleep or daily life
• Symptoms are getting worse or happening more often
• Over-the-counter steps and lifestyle changes aren't enough
• You want to find and treat the underlying cause

At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists diagnose and treat restless leg syndrome — identifying contributing factors like low iron and building a plan to relieve your symptoms so you can sleep again.

Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area

With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, we serve patients across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Losing Sleep to Restless Legs?

You don't have to live with it. Mir Neurology can find the cause and build a treatment plan for relief.

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