Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, causes an uncomfortable urge to move the legs, usually in the evening or at night. It is common and can affect sleep and quality of life.
Imagine lying down every night only for your legs to feel crawly and restless until you get up and walk, then finding that a simple blood test and iron treatment bring back proper sleep.
Symptoms
- An urge to move the legs, often with crawling, tingling or aching feelings
- Worse when resting, sitting or lying down
- Worse in the evening and at night
- Relieved by moving or walking
- Sometimes jerking leg movements during sleep
Common causes and links
- Low iron, even without anaemia
- Pregnancy, especially later stages
- Kidney disease
- Some medicines, such as certain antidepressants, antihistamines and antinausea drugs
- Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
- Family history
What helps
- Treat low iron if found
- Regular moderate exercise, but not right before bed
- Leg massage, stretching or a warm bath
- A regular sleep routine
- Cut down caffeine, alcohol and smoking
- Review medicines with a pharmacist or prescriber
- Prescribed medicines for moderate to severe RLS
“But restless legs is just being fidgety, so there is nothing to treat.”
Restless legs syndrome is a recognised condition that can seriously disturb sleep. It is often linked to low iron, pregnancy or medicines, and effective treatments exist.
Your next step: Ask for an iron (ferritin) blood test if your legs regularly keep you awake.
Related: Insomnia: 15 sleep hygiene tips
Sources: NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary, Restless legs syndrome; NHS restless legs guidance.
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