Why do you get twitchy legs

A long plane ride can also be difficult. People with RLS are likely to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because symptoms are worse at night. Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and sleep deprivation can harm your physical and mental health. Symptoms usually affect both sides of the body, but some people have them on only one side.

In mild cases, symptoms may come and go. RLS can also affect other parts of the body, including your arms and head. For most people with RLS, symptoms worsen with age. People with RLS often use movement as a way to relieve symptoms. That might mean pacing the floor or tossing and turning in bed. If you sleep with a partner, it may well be disturbing their sleep as well.

More often than not, the cause of RLS is a mystery. There may be a genetic predisposition and an environmental trigger. More than 40 percent of people with RLS have some family history of the condition. In fact, there are five gene variants associated with RLS. When it runs in the family, symptoms usually start before age There may be a connection between RLS and low levels of iron in the brain, even when blood tests show that your iron level is normal.

RLS may be linked to a disruption in the dopamine pathways in the brain. Some of the same medications are used to treat both conditions. Research on these and other theories is ongoing. 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. In many cases, the exact cause of restless legs syndrome is unknown. When no cause can be found, it's known as idiopathic or primary restless legs syndrome.

Dopamine There's evidence to suggest restless legs syndrome is related to a problem with part of the brain called the basal ganglia. Underlying health condition Restless legs syndrome can sometimes occur as a complication of another health condition, or it can be the result of another health-related factor.

This is known as secondary restless legs syndrome. You can develop secondary restless legs syndrome if you: have iron deficiency anaemia low levels of iron in the blood can lead to a fall in dopamine, triggering restless legs syndrome have a long-term health condition such as chronic kidney disease , diabetes , Parkinson's disease , rheumatoid arthritis , an underactive thyroid gland , or fibromyalgia are pregnant particularly from week 27 until birth; in most cases the symptoms disappear within 4 weeks of giving birth Triggers There are a number of triggers that don't cause restless legs syndrome, but can make symptoms worse.

What are common signs and symptoms of restless legs? What causes restless legs syndrome? How is restless legs syndrome diagnosed? How is restless legs syndrome treated? What is the prognosis for people with restless legs syndrome?

What research is being done? Where can I get more information? Restless legs syndrome RLS , also called Willis-Ekbom Disease, causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs and an irresistible urge to move them. Symptoms commonly occur in the late afternoon or evening hours, and are often most severe at night when a person is resting, such as sitting or lying in bed. They also may occur when someone is inactive and sitting for extended periods for example, when taking a trip by plane or watching a movie.

Since symptoms can increase in severity during the night, it could become difficult to fall asleep or return to sleep after waking up. Moving the legs or walking typically relieves the discomfort but the sensations often recur once the movement stops. RLS is classified as a sleep disorder since the symptoms are triggered by resting and attempting to sleep, and as a movement disorder, since people are forced to move their legs in order to relieve symptoms.

It is, however, best characterized as a neurological sensory disorder with symptoms that are produced from within the brain itself. RLS is one of several disorders that can cause exhaustion and daytime sleepiness, which can strongly affect mood, concentration, job and school performance, and personal relationships. Many people with RLS report they are often unable to concentrate, have impaired memory, or fail to accomplish daily tasks. Untreated moderate to severe RLS can lead to about a 20 percent decrease in work productivity and can contribute to depression and anxiety.

It also can make traveling difficult. It is estimated that up to percent of the U. RLS occurs in both men and women, although women are more likely to have it than men. It may begin at any age. Many individuals who are severely affected are middle-aged or older, and the symptoms typically become more frequent and last longer with age.

PLMS is characterized by involuntary leg and sometimes arm twitching or jerking movements during sleep that typically occur every 15 to 40 seconds, sometimes throughout the night. Fortunately, most cases of RLS can be treated with non-drug therapies and if necessary, medications.

People with RLS feel the irresistible urge to move, which is accompanied by uncomfortable sensations in their lower limbs that are unlike normal sensations experienced by people without the disorder.

The sensations in their legs are often difficult to define but may be described as aching throbbing, pulling, itching, crawling, or creeping. These sensations less commonly affect the arms, and rarely the chest or head. Although the sensations can occur on just one side of the body, they most often affect both sides. They can also alternate between sides. The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful.

Because moving the legs or other affected parts of the body relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion to minimize or prevent the sensations. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, and toss and turn in bed. A classic feature of RLS is that the symptoms are worse at night with a distinct symptom-free period in the early morning, allowing for more refreshing sleep at that time. Some people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

They may also note a worsening of symptoms if their sleep is further reduced by events or activity. RLS symptoms may vary from day to day, in severity and frequency, and from person to person.

In moderately severe cases, symptoms occur only once or twice a week but often result in significant delay of sleep onset, with some disruption of daytime function.