Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
An uncomfortable urge to move your legs, particularly in the evening or at night, can interrupt sleep and everyday life. Understanding the symptoms and possible contributing factors can help you find the right next steps.
Enquire about a consultationWhat is restless legs syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that causes a strong urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
The symptoms typically appear or worsen while sitting or lying down, become more troublesome in the evening or at night, and ease temporarily when you walk or stretch. Mild cases may be manageable, while more persistent symptoms can disturb sleep, cause daytime tiredness and affect quality of life.
RLS is different from ordinary fidgeting, leg cramps and peripheral nerve disorders, although the symptoms sometimes overlap.
Common symptoms of RLS
The combination and timing of symptoms is often more informative than any single sensation.
Urge to move
A difficult-to-ignore need to move the legs, especially when trying to rest or fall asleep.
Unpleasant sensations
Crawling, pulling, tingling, aching or itching feelings, usually deep within the legs.
Worse at night
Symptoms often build in the evening and may delay sleep or cause repeated waking.
Relief with movement
Walking, stretching or rubbing the legs can ease symptoms, although the relief may be temporary.
Sleep and daytime effects
Interrupted sleep can contribute to fatigue, poor concentration and reduced wellbeing.
Occasional arm symptoms
Some people also experience similar sensations in the arms, particularly with more troublesome RLS.
Why does RLS happen?
Often there is no single identifiable cause. RLS is associated with the way the nervous system processes movement signals and iron. It can run in families.
Symptoms may also be associated with low iron stores, pregnancy, kidney disease and some medicines. Caffeine, alcohol and poor sleep may make symptoms more noticeable.
Things worth discussing
- Whether symptoms began after starting or changing a medicine
- Any history of iron deficiency or anaemia
- Pregnancy or relevant long-term health conditions
- Sleep quality and any daytime impairment
- Family members with similar symptoms
How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed?
There is no single scan or routine test that confirms RLS. A clinician usually makes the diagnosis by discussing the symptom pattern and checking for conditions that can produce similar complaints.
Clinical history
When symptoms occur, whether movement helps, how sleep is affected and whether the sensations are present at rest.
Medication and health review
Review of existing conditions and medicines, together with a neurological examination when indicated.
Targeted blood tests
Iron studies, including ferritin, are often appropriate. Other tests may be considered based on the history and examination.
Nerve conduction studies, MRI or sleep testing are not routinely required for typical RLS. They may help when another diagnosis is being considered.
What can help restless legs syndrome?
The best approach depends on how often symptoms occur, how much sleep is disrupted and whether there is an underlying contributing factor.
Sleep and lifestyle measures
Regular sleep times, daytime exercise, gentle stretching, walking, massage and a warm bath can help some people. Reducing caffeine later in the day may also be useful.
Check and correct iron deficiency
If tests suggest low iron stores, a clinician can investigate the cause and recommend iron replacement when suitable, with follow-up testing as needed.
Medication when necessary
More disruptive RLS may benefit from prescription treatment after an individual risk-benefit discussion. Some medicines affecting dopamine can cause symptom worsening over time, known as augmentation.
Do not stop prescribed medicines or take iron supplements at treatment doses without discussing this with your clinician.
How Dr Yasser Falah can help
Dr Falah can assess troublesome or uncertain symptoms, distinguish a typical RLS pattern from other neurological complaints and review investigations that may help identify contributing factors.
Where appropriate, he can discuss treatment options, advise on further assessment or recommend input from other specialist services. A consultation is particularly useful when symptoms continue despite initial measures, disrupt sleep significantly or are difficult to classify.
About Dr Yasser FalahUseful information to bring
- When symptoms begin and what eases them
- A list of medicines and supplements
- Any recent iron or other blood test results
- Details of sleep disturbance and daytime effects
You can also read about consultation fees and clinic locations.
Restless legs syndrome FAQs
What does restless legs syndrome feel like?
RLS often causes a compelling urge to move the legs, sometimes with crawling, pulling, tingling or aching sensations. It usually starts or becomes worse when resting, is more noticeable in the evening or at night, and improves temporarily with movement.
Is restless legs syndrome the same as leg cramps?
No. Leg cramps are usually sudden, painful muscle contractions. RLS is characterised by an urge to move, often with uncomfortable sensations rather than a sustained muscle spasm. Other nerve or circulation problems can also cause leg symptoms.
Can low iron cause restless legs syndrome?
Low iron stores are an important contributing factor in some people, even when they do not have anaemia. A clinician may request ferritin and other iron studies and recommend treatment where appropriate. Do not start high-dose iron without medical advice.
Does RLS mean I have Parkinson’s disease?
No. Although both conditions involve neurological pathways related to movement, restless legs syndrome is not the same as Parkinson’s disease. Having RLS does not in itself mean you have Parkinson’s.
Will I need a scan or nerve tests?
RLS is often diagnosed from the pattern of symptoms and a clinical assessment. Blood tests, particularly iron studies, may be useful. Scans or nerve conduction studies are not routine for typical RLS but may be considered if another condition is suspected.
Can restless legs syndrome be treated?
Yes. Some people improve with sleep and lifestyle changes or treatment of low iron stores. For more severe symptoms, a clinician may consider prescribed medicines such as gabapentin or pregabalin. Dopamine-related medicines require particular care because they can worsen RLS over time in some patients.
Related information
Is restless legs syndrome affecting your sleep?
Contact London Neurology Specialist to enquire about a consultation with Dr Yasser Falah and whether neurological assessment could help clarify your symptoms.
This page provides general information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.