Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

Common symptoms of restless legs syndrome include an almost irresistible urge to move the legs when sitting or lying down and an unpleasant feeling in the legs. The symptoms can range from uncomfortable to painful and can vary in frequency. Symptoms of restless legs syndrome tend to get worse over time.

 

An Introduction to the Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome

There are several major symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS), including:
 
  • An almost irresistible urge to move the legs or arms when sitting or lying down
 
  • An unpleasant feeling in the legs
 
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep because of the unpleasant feelings in the legs or arms
 
  • Daytime sleepiness, which results from a lack of restful sleep due to the repeated limb movements.
 
Symptoms of restless legs syndrome are not the same for every person. The symptoms can range from uncomfortable to painful and can vary in frequency. Children who have restless legs syndrome may describe the symptoms differently than adults who have restless legs syndrome.
 
Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome: Urge to Move
Restless legs syndrome gets its name from the urge to move the legs when sitting or lying down. This urge is due to unpleasant feelings in the legs that are relieved by movement. Typical movements seen with symptoms of restless legs syndrome are:
 
  • Pacing and walking
  • Jiggling the legs
  • Stretching and flexing
  • Tossing and turning
  • Rubbing the legs.
(Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD