Restless Legs Syndrome – Urge to Move at Night
Restless legs at night, constant urge to move, and resulting sleep problems – all this points to the so-called Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Since the condition is relatively unknown, many sufferers don’t even know what is causing their symptoms. Contrary to what is often assumed, it is not simply a lack of activity during the day but a neurological disorder. It occurs mainly during rest periods and therefore becomes particularly noticeable at night.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) – also called Willis-Ekbom disease – is likely a disorder of the central nervous system that occurs primarily during rest and improves with movement. Patients experience unpleasant sensations such as tingling, pulling, or pain in the legs that can only be relieved by moving. This creates a constant urge to move, which intensifies in the evening and at night and can cause significant discomfort.
RLS is one of the most common causes of sleep problems and can significantly reduce quality of life. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic fatigue, concentration difficulties, or even depressive moods, which is why timely intervention can noticeably improve well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Restless Legs Syndrome
What causes Restless Legs?
The causes of RLS are varied. It is often linked to iron deficiency or a genetic predisposition. Obstructive sleep apnea or comorbidities such as diabetes or kidney disease may also trigger the syndrome, while certain medications can further worsen symptoms. A specialized physician can identify your individual causes and initiate appropriate treatment.
What does Restless Legs feel like?
Patients describe the symptoms as tingling, pulling, burning, or inner restlessness in the legs. The hallmark is the urge to move the legs, which occurs especially during rest or at night. As a result, many people suffer from sleep problems, daytime fatigue, and difficulties with concentration.
How can Restless Legs be treated?
Complete recovery depends on identifying the underlying cause. Targeted treatment can significantly reduce symptoms. This may include addressing sleep apnea, regular exercise, sleep hygiene, heat or cold applications, and – in more severe cases – medication such as dopamine agonists or iron supplements. Because symptoms vary widely, an individualized treatment plan is always necessary.
Is Restless Legs a precursor to Parkinson’s?
No, Restless Legs Syndrome is not a precursor to Parkinson’s disease. While both involve changes in dopamine metabolism, they are distinct conditions. Proper medical evaluation is essential to correctly classify the symptoms.
Typical Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome
People with RLS experience a strong, often hard-to-describe discomfort in the legs. They may feel tingling, pulling, or burning deep inside, making the legs feel restless and creating the urge to move. These symptoms worsen at rest, especially in the evening or at night, prompting sufferers to walk, stretch, or massage their legs. While this provides temporary relief, it disrupts sleep and leads to consequences such as fatigue, concentration problems, irritability, and daytime exhaustion.
Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome
The exact causes of RLS are not yet fully understood. Physicians distinguish between primary (inherited) RLS, for which no specific cause is identified, and secondary RLS, which is triggered by other conditions or deficiencies.
Common causes include:
- Genetic factors: In many cases, close relatives also suffer from RLS, confirming a hereditary component.
- Iron deficiency: Low iron levels in the blood or brain can impair nerve signal transmission and worsen symptoms.
- Comorbidities: Kidney disease, diabetes, or polyneuropathy are frequently associated with RLS and are considered risk factors.
- Medications: Certain antidepressants, antihistamines, or blood pressure medications can trigger or worsen symptoms.
- Pregnancy: Many women experience RLS symptoms, particularly in the last trimester of pregnancy, which usually subside after childbirth.
RLS affects women more often than men and is especially common in middle age. However, younger people may also be affected, particularly when genetic predisposition, deficiencies, or pregnancy are involved.
Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment
Because RLS is often mistaken for other conditions, a clear diagnosis by a specialized physician is essential. At the beginning of treatment, we conduct a thorough medical history to identify the cause of your symptoms. RLS is diagnosed based on its typical signs, and additional blood tests may be performed to check for iron or other deficiencies. In some cases, an overnight stay in a sleep laboratory is useful to document nighttime movements and their impact on sleep.
Non-medication treatment
For mild symptoms, patients can take simple measures to relieve RLS: incorporate regular exercise and stretching into your routine, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, and maintain consistent sleep habits and good sleep hygiene. Applying heat or cold to the legs can also help reduce the urge to move and promote relaxation.
Medication treatment
If symptoms are more severe, we prescribe dopamine agonists to improve nerve signal transmission in the brain, or anticonvulsants (for nerve pain). If iron deficiency is detected, iron supplements are also recommended. Medication selection is always personalized, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Your Personal Treatment Plan for Restless Legs Syndrome
As your experienced RLS specialists, we work with you to develop a personal treatment plan tailored to your situation. We take your lifestyle and preferences into account and, if needed, integrate supportive measures such as physiotherapy, relaxation techniques, and dietary adjustments.
Let’s work together to help you achieve better nights and greater quality of life – book your consultation today!
Team of Experts
PD Dr. med. Marie-An Carstensen De Letter
Specialist in Neurology FMH / Neurophysiology / Sleep Medicine
Besire Morina
COO Sleep lab
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