Why are my legs painful and restless at night?

If you get the irresistible urge to move your legs in bed at night, you’re not alone. Restless legs syndrome (RLS)—a neurological disorder that disrupts sleep—is a surprisingly common condition.

RLS occurs most often when the body is inactive, which is why it is usually experienced in bed at night. Some experts believe that RLS is due to a problem in the part of the brain that controls movement and muscle activity, but studies have not yet proved this conclusively. Recent clinical research suggests that low iron levels in the brain may be responsible. However, as yet there is no easy way to test brain iron levels, so researchers are still some way off seeing the complete picture.

RLS can occur at any age and has a 60 percent chance of being inherited. Mostly, there’s no obvious trigger, though for some, vitamin D deficiency, nerve damage, or sleep apnea may be linked to its onset. One in five women suffer RLS in pregnancy, possibly due to low iron and folate, and the condition usually fades after childbirth.

MANAGING RLS

A cure for RLS is still a work in progress, but there are some things you can try to alleviate symptoms:

A pillow between your legs while you sleep may prevent nerve compression and make the legs more comfortable.

A walk before bed, or stretching the leg muscles when symptoms are at their worst, can soothe symptoms.

Taking iron, folate, or vitamin D can help some sufferers, but always consult your doctor before taking supplements.

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2 : 1 Women are twice as likely as men to experience RLS

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