Quick Answer
RLS affects ~10% of adults — an uncomfortable urge to move legs, worse at rest and night. It's treatable once correctly diagnosed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • NMC 8029 • Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensorimotor disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations (creeping, crawling, aching, burning). Symptoms are worse at rest and in the evening, and improve with movement — which is why patients often pace or kick in bed.
Symptoms and diagnostic criteria
Urge to move legs (usually bilateral), worse at rest, worse in evening/night, relieved by movement, not better explained by another condition. Periodic limb movements during sleep are common. RLS significantly disrupts sleep, causing daytime fatigue and impaired function.
Causes and risk factors
Primary RLS is idiopathic with genetic contribution (family history in ~40–90%). Secondary RLS is caused by: iron deficiency (most common — check ferritin), pregnancy, kidney failure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs).
Treatment
Iron supplementation if ferritin is low (target >75 ng/mL). Avoid aggravating medications. Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole) and alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, pregabalin) are first-line. For severe/refractory RLS, opioids may be used under specialist care. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
When to seek professional evaluation
RLS is evaluated with clinical criteria, iron studies and medication review at neurology consultation — because secondary causes are treatable and medication choice requires specialist guidance.
This guide is educational and does not replace individual medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine), FICN (Neurology), FCNV, FIHM • NMC 8029
Most adults need 7-9 hours per night. However, individual needs vary. The key indicator is daytime functioning � if you feel rested and alert during the day, your sleep duration is likely adequate.
Yes. CBT-I is the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, with response rates of 70-80%. It produces durable improvements and is more effective than medication for long-term outcomes.
Migraine is a neurological condition; headache is one feature. Associated symptoms and functional impact are important for diagnosis.
Aura refers to visual, sensory, or speech symptoms that precede the headache in some people. Both types are migraine; the presence of aura may influence management discussion.
Yes. Short or fragmented sleep impairs memory consolidation and lowers migraine threshold. Snoring with apneas fragments sleep and fragments cognition. Dr. Jitendra screens sleep duration, regularity, snoring and caffeine, and refers for sleep study when indicated — often before escalating headache or memory medicines.
Brain health reflects how well the brain functions across thinking, memory, movement, and mood. Protect it through regular exercise, vascular risk control (blood pressure, diabetes, smoking), good sleep, hearing treatment, cognitive/social engagement, and avoiding smoking. Dr. Jitendra discusses brain health at Kathman…
More: All FAQs → · Ask Dr. Jitendra →
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References & Review
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
- International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3).
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine — Neurology sections.
- American Academy of Neurology guidelines for selected conditions (where applicable).
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.