Pregnancy or hormonal changes may temporarily worsen RLS signs and symptoms. Some women get RLS for the first time during pregnancy, especially during their last trimester. However, symptoms usually disappear after delivery. RLS can develop at any age, even during childhood. The disorder is more common with increasing age and more common in women than in men. RLS usually isn't related to a serious underlying medical problem.
However, it sometimes accompanies other conditions, such as:. Although RLS doesn't lead to other serious conditions, symptoms can range from barely bothersome to incapacitating. Many people with RLS find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. Severe RLS can cause marked impairment in life quality and can result in depression.
Insomnia may lead to excessive daytime drowsiness, but RLS may interfere with napping. Restless legs syndrome care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Restless legs syndrome RLS is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation.
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Restless legs syndrome. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Accessed Nov. Ondo WG. Clinical features and diagnosis of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. Silber MH. Other potential causes include medications to treat:. But RLS can actually be an offshoot of another health problem, like neuropathy, diabetes, or kidney failure. Learn more about the causes of restless leg syndrome ».
There are certain things that may put you in a higher risk category for RLS. Having RLS can affect your overall health and quality of life. If you have RLS and chronic sleep deprivation, you may be a higher risk of:.
A large part of the diagnosis will be based on your description of symptoms. Your doctor will want to check for other neurological reasons for your symptoms. Be sure to provide information about any over-the-counter and prescription medications and supplements you take.
And tell your doctor if you have any known chronic health conditions. Blood tests will check for iron and other deficiencies or abnormalities. Home remedies, while unlikely to completely eliminate symptoms, may help reduce them. It may take some trial and error to find the remedies that are most helpful. When scheduling things that require prolonged sitting, such as a car or plane trip, try to arrange them for earlier in the day rather than later.
If you have an iron or other nutritional deficiency, ask your doctor or nutritionist how to improve your diet. Talk to your doctor before adding dietary supplements. Learn more about home remedies for restless leg syndrome ». Side effects may include mild lightheadedness and nausea.
These medications can become less effective over time. In some people, they can cause daytime sleepiness impulse control disorders, and worsening of RLS symptoms. Side effects may include dizziness and nausea. You should not use these products if you have sleep apnea.
These medicines are powerful and addicting. It may take several attempts before you find the right medication. Your doctor will adjust the medication and dosage as your symptoms change. Learn about over-the-counter medications for restless leg syndrome ». Children can experience the same tingling and pulling sensations in their legs as adults with RLS.
But they may have a hard time describing it. Children with RLS also have an overwhelming urge to move their legs. RLS can interfere with sleep, which can affect every aspect of life. A child with RLS may seem inattentive, irritable, or fidgety. They may be labeled disruptive or hyperactive. Diagnosing and treating RLS can help address these problems and improve school performance.
Any dietary deficiencies must be addressed. Children with RLS should avoid caffeine and develop good bedtime habits. If necessary, medications that affect dopamine, benzodiazepines, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed. Learn more about how children are affected by restless leg syndrome ».
Try to cut high-calorie processed foods with little or no nutritional value. Some people with symptoms of RLS are deficient in particular vitamins and minerals. It all depends on what your test results show. Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so you might also want to pair iron-rich foods with these sources of vitamin C:.
Caffeine is tricky. It can trigger symptoms of RLS in some people, but actually helps others. Try to avoid it, especially in the evening. Learn more about how your diet can relieve symptoms of restless leg syndrome ». Those strange sensations in your legs can be uncomfortable or painful. And those symptoms can make it almost impossible to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In addition to working with your doctor to find relief, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of restful sleep:.
Some people have the symptoms of restless legs syndrome occasionally, while others have them every day. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe.
In severe cases, restless legs syndrome can be very distressing and disrupt a person's daily activities. In the majority of cases, there's no obvious cause of restless legs syndrome. This is known as idiopathic or primary restless legs syndrome, and it can run in families. Some neurologists specialists in treating conditions that affect the nervous system believe the symptoms of restless legs syndrome may have something to do with how the body handles a chemical called dopamine.
Dopamine is involved in controlling muscle movement and may be responsible for the involuntary leg movements associated with restless legs syndrome. In some cases, restless legs syndrome is caused by an underlying health condition, such as iron deficiency anaemia or kidney failure.
This is known as secondary restless legs syndrome. There's also a link between restless legs syndrome and pregnancy. About 1 in 5 pregnant women will experience symptoms in the last 3 months of their pregnancy, although it's not clear exactly why this is. In such cases, restless legs syndrome usually disappears after the woman has given birth.
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