Restless legs syndrome

Movement5–10% of adults

Restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) is a neurological sensorimotor disorder, not a blood circulation problem. The sensation is often described as crawling, bubbling, or an itch inside the bone that appears when sitting or lying down in the evening. Movement relieves it instantly, which is what prevents falling asleep.

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What it looks like

An irresistible urge to move the legs, worse in the evening and at rest

Immediate relief from walking, stretching or massaging the calves

Difficulty sitting through long flights, films or dinner meetings

A partner reporting repeated involuntary leg kicks during sleep

How it's confirmed

A clinical diagnosis based on four international criteria, accompanied by blood tests. Serum ferritin below 75 ng/mL is the single most critical biomarker.

Serum ferritin & iron profileOvernight polysomnography (if PLMD suspected)

Solutions

ranked by evidence level

Evidence scale — what the meter means

Strong — Multiple clinical trials or established guidelines.

Moderate — Some clinical research, fewer or smaller studies.

Emerging — Early research signals.

Limited — Expert opinion or common clinical practice.

S-01Iron repletionstrong evidencemedical

If ferritin is low (<75 ng/mL), oral or IV iron therapy resolves or substantially improves symptoms. Always the required first step before prescription drugs.

Prescribed and monitored by a physician.

S-02Alpha-2-delta ligandsstrong evidencemedical

Gabapentin enacarbil and pregabalin are preferred first-line medications over dopamine agonists, which risk symptom augmentation over time.

Prescription medication from a neurologist.

S-03Medication trigger reviewmoderate evidencemedical

Certain sedating antihistamines, SSRIs, and anti-emetics can provoke restless legs. A physician review of current medications is essential.

Consult your prescribing doctor.

S-04Evening exercise & stretchinglimited evidencelifestyle

Moderate walking, calf stretching, and warm baths in the early evening may help mild symptoms. Intense late-night workouts should be avoided.

No product needed — physical routine modification.