Restless Legs at Night: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Get Relief
If you’ve ever felt an uncontrollable urge to move your legs at night, especially when trying to relax or fall asleep, you may be dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). This neurological condition can significantly disrupt sleep and affect your overall quality of life. At Restful Sleep MD in Philadelphia, PA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating RLS so patients can finally get the rest they need.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. These sensations are often described as:
Tingling
Crawling
Aching
Pulling
Symptoms typically worsen in the evening or at night, making it especially difficult to fall or stay asleep.
How Common Is RLS?
RLS is more common than many people realize. Research suggests that 7–10% of the U.S. population experiences some form of RLS, with women affected more frequently than men. Despite its prevalence, many cases go undiagnosed or are mistaken for other conditions.
How RLS Impacts Sleep
RLS is closely tied to sleep disruption. The urge to move the legs often begins when the body is at rest, particularly at bedtime. This leads to:
Difficulty falling asleep
Frequent nighttime awakenings
Poor sleep quality
Daytime fatigue and reduced concentration
Studies show that people with untreated RLS are significantly more likely to experience chronic insomnia and daytime sleepiness, which can affect work, mood, and overall health.
What Causes RLS?
The exact cause of RLS isn’t always clear, but it is believed to involve dysfunction in dopamine, a brain chemical that helps control movement. Several factors can contribute to or worsen symptoms:
Iron deficiency
Chronic conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes
Pregnancy
Certain medications
Genetics
Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective treatment.
How to Find Relief
The good news is that RLS can be managed with the right approach. At Restful Sleep MD, we focus on treating the root cause of your symptoms while improving your overall sleep health.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple adjustments can make a difference for mild cases:
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake
Incorporating regular physical activity
Medical Evaluation and Treatment
For moderate to severe RLS, medical treatment may be necessary. This can include:
Iron supplementation if levels are low
Medications that regulate dopamine
Adjusting medications that may be contributing to symptoms
Expert Care You Can Trust
Funke Afolabi-Brown is a PENN-trained, triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician with nearly two decades of experience. She specializes in diagnosing and managing Restless Leg Syndrome with a personalized, patient-centered approach.
At Restful Sleep MD, we go beyond surface-level treatment. We:
Identify underlying causes of RLS
Develop customized treatment plans
Offer concierge access with priority appointments
Provide ongoing support to improve long-term sleep health
Take Back Your Nights
Living with Restless Leg Syndrome can be frustrating, but you don’t have to accept poor sleep as your reality. With the right diagnosis and care, relief is possible.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of RLS, contact Restful Sleep MD in Philadelphia, PA, today. Better sleep starts with understanding the cause and taking the right steps toward lasting relief.
