unsatisfied wooden leg syndrome ( RLS ) is often bad at nighttime . Some people may only have the symptoms at this time . Many with RLS also have branch movements during eternal rest .

As many as80%of people with RLS also have a sleep disorder known as occasional tree branch crusade , which causes involuntary , repetitive movements , often in the modest eubstance .

Read on to learn more about RLS at night , including the likely crusade and how to carry off it .

A woman asleep in a bed as light comes through a window.

What is RLS?

RLS , also known as Willis - Ekbom disease , is a vulgar condition that causes vivid urges to move the legs . A person may feel an unpleasant crawl ortinglingsensation on the tegument , which temporarily gets well after moving the limbs .

It istypicalfor the symptom to get bad at night . Sometimes , this may be the only meter a individual has any symptom .

RLS is not sore , but it can be disruptive and touch tone of life .

What causes nighttime RLS?

Scientists do not yet jazz why RLS occurs or gets worse at Nox . However , there are some possible theory :

The underlying causes of RLS more generally come into two categories : principal and lowly .

Causes of primary RLS

Primary RLS is a condition of thecentral nervous organisation ( CNS ) , which includes the brainiac and spinal electric cord . Sometimes , Dr. do not lie with why people get elemental RLS , but in some face , it runs in family . This suggest a genetic link .

Changes in the BTBD9 and MEIS1 geneshave associationswith RLS . These genetic changes may mold Dopastat level or action and atomic number 26 stores in sure parts of the brain , which then affect the CNS .

However , more inquiry is necessary to understand this .

Causes of secondary RLS

Unlike elemental RLS , petty RLS pass off as a result of other cistron . It may come about subaltern to some disorders , including :

Some medications can also cause or worsen RLS , including :

Managing nighttime RLS

Mild RLSdoes not alwaysrequire treatment . But reckon on the crusade of RLS , there may be ways to foreshorten it or to bring off the symptoms so they are less intrusive .

These strategies include :

Avoiding triggers

Some people report their RLS gets bad when they are stressed or stock , or when they have consumed stimulants such as caffeine ornicotine . drill some self - care strategiesmay helpavoid this .

People may want to essay :

Vibration or massage

Some hoi polloi find thatmassagingthe legs or using gadget that electrically stimulate them can ease symptoms .

Improving nutrition

Some casesof secondary RLS come due tonutritional deficiencies . People can getblood testsfrom a Doctor of the Church to determine whether this applies to them .

If it does , making dietetic changes or take supplements may help . For those withiron deficiency , it may help to take vitamin C with smoothing iron , as this increase the body ’s absorption of the iron .

Checking medications

If a medicinal drug or supplement a somebody deal could be make RLS , talk with a physician or pharmacist will help . They can advise on option or suggest a different dose .

Do not change the dosage or stop taking a drug without speak to a medico first . Doing this could have risks .

Managing underlying conditions

If a person has RLS due to another experimental condition , such as diabetes , it is important to superintend the condition .

Treatment for these conditions may not cure RLS , but it could cease RLS from getting worse or from other complications developing . address with a Doctor of the Church to talk about a discussion program .

Yes , RLS has astrong associationwith asleep disorderknown as periodical limb movement , which causes movements of the legs or implements of war during eternal rest . Sometimes , this can wake a person , but in other subject , people are incognizant it is happening .

citizenry may also mistakehypnic jerksfor RLS or periodic limb motion . Hypnic jerksare a suddentwitchingor “ twitch ” movement that wakes a person when they are falling at peace . They can also stimulate a suddenincrease in meat rateand ventilation .

According to a2023 case survey , many grownup experience hypnic jerks at some tip , but some people experience them more than others . They have associations with some of the same cistron as RLS , including strain , caffein , and antidepressants .

FAQ

Below are some common enquiry about RLS at nighttime .

How does RLS affect sleep quality?

RLS can make it more difficult to get to sleep . If a person also has occasional limb bowel movement , they may also waken up during the Nox or find it more difficult to continue asleep .

Are there any sleep positions that help with RLS?

There are no studies show that certain quiescency position help with RLS . Anecdotally , some citizenry account that using pillow to shock absorber or slimly elevate the legs serve .

Others may find gentle pressure on the legs or feet good , such as from a weighted mantle .

Summary

Restless pegleg syndrome ( RLS ) is often worse in the dark . For some , this may be the only time they notice symptoms . For others , existing symptoms may get bad in the evening or when endeavor to sleep .

RLS can be distressing , but depend on the cause , there may be treatment that can help . mouth with a MD if RLS is get sleep psychological disorder , stress , oranxiety , or if it is interfering with daily activities .