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Restless legs syndrome

Also called: Restless legs syndrome, RLS, Willis-Ekbom disease

An urge to move your legs with crawling or aching feelings, worse in the evening and at rest. Moving brings relief.

WorseEvening and lying down
Linked toLow iron, pregnancy
TreatmentIron, habits, medicines

Overview

It disturbs sleep and can run in families.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Urge to move the legs at night

Less common

  • Crawling feeling
  • Poor sleep

Look up a symptom: Trouble sleeping · Urge to move the legs at night

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayLeg swelling and pain on one side.
See a doctor soonSymptoms disturbing sleep.

Causes

Genes, low iron, kidney disease, pregnancy, some medicines.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Pregnancy
  • Low iron

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Questions you may be asked

  • Sleep, pregnancy, medicines

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Iron test: Ferritin.

Treatment

Habits help.

Self-care

  • Walk or stretch
  • Massage legs or take a warm bath
  • Cut caffeine and alcohol
  • Keep a sleep schedule

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Iron
Low ironOnly if tested low.
Prescription
Symptoms

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a sleep medicine specialist.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Manageable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Restless legs syndrome

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.