Restless Leg Syndrome: Why Your Legs Won’t Let You Rest

If you've ever struggled to fall asleep because your legs wouldn’t stop twitching, tingling, or crawling—you’re not alone. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common but under-recognized neurological sleep disorder that can leave you wide awake just when you’re trying to rest.

RLS is more than a muscle issue—it's a condition rooted in the brain and nervous system. And when left unaddressed, it can wreak havoc on your sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?

RLS is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations described as:

  • Crawling

  • Tingling

  • Buzzing

  • Pulling

  • Deep itching

These sensations typically worsen in the evening or at night, especially when you're sitting or lying down.

Why RLS Is a Sleep Disorder, Not Just a Leg Problem

Because symptoms of RLS appear during periods of rest, falling and staying asleep becomes a struggle. It’s not just the discomfort—it’s the constant need to move that disrupts your body’s natural wind-down process.

Many people with RLS:

  • Pace or stretch repeatedly at night

  • Toss and turn for hours

  • Wake up frequently

  • Feel tired and foggy even after a full night in bed

Over time, the sleep disruption caused by RLS can lead to:

  • Daytime fatigue

  • Mood changes (irritability, anxiety)

  • Poor concentration and memory

  • Weakened immune function

  • Increased stress and burnout

What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

The exact cause of RLS isn’t always clear, but research suggests it's linked to dysfunction in the brain’s dopamine system, which helps control movement and sensory processing.

Common contributors include:

  • Iron deficiency (even mild cases)

  • Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester

  • Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or peripheral neuropathy

  • Certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics)

  • Genetic predisposition — RLS can run in families

Can You Prevent Restless Leg Syndrome?

You may not be able to completely prevent RLS, but there are strategies that can reduce symptom severity and improve your sleep quality:

  • Maintain healthy iron and magnesium levels

  • Avoid caffeinealcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening

  • Stick to a consistent sleep-wake schedule

  • Get light movement or stretching daily

  • Practice wind-down routines like warm baths, breathwork, or gentle yoga

  • Limit long periods of inactivity, especially in the evening

Bottom Line: Better Sleep Starts with Understanding Your Body

Restless Leg Syndrome isn’t just a nighttime nuisance—it’s a neurological sleep disorder that affects your energy, focus, and emotional well-being. By understanding its causes and triggers, and by adopting science-backed sleep strategies, you can take control of your nights and start getting the deep rest you need.

You don’t have to settle for restless nights and groggy mornings. Small changes in your lifestyle, routines, and sleep habits can go a long way in helping you reclaim peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.


References

  1. Allen, R. P., et al. (2003). Restless Legs Syndrome: Diagnostic Criteria, Special Considerations, and Epidemiology.Sleep Medicine, 4(2), 101–119.

  2. Trenkwalder, C., et al. (2016). Restless Legs Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Treatment. CNS Drugs, 30(6), 431–444.

  3. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Restless Legs Syndrome Fact Sheet.https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome

  4. Huberman, A. (2022). Tools for Sleep: Huberman Lab Podcast. Stanford School of Medicine. https://hubermanlab.com/tools-for-sleep

Agnes Mlynarska

Founder of ArTeva Acupuncture in New York City, Agnes is a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist. ArTeva Acupuncture is medical acupuncture clinic specializing in the latest modern, research-backed acupuncture techniques.

https://www.artevaacupuncture.com/
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