Medicine for restless legs at night

Restless legs causes an urge to move the legs, often with crawling, pulling, or uncomfortable sensations that become stronger during rest and ease with movement. Symptoms commonly disturb sleep, but leg discomfort can have other explanations, including peripheral neuropathy, cramps, or medication effects.

Low iron may contribute, and restless legs can also occur alongside chronic kidney disease. A clinician may ask about diet, menstrual or other blood loss, pregnancy, sleep, and medicines before arranging blood tests. Treating an underlying problem can be more useful than taking a sedating medicine alone.

Keep a regular sleep routine, stretch or walk gently before bed, and limit caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol later in the day. A warm bath or massage may reduce the sensation for some people. Review medicines with a pharmacist if symptoms began after a change.

Do not start iron tablets without professional advice: excess iron can be harmful, and the right product and dose depend on test results and your health. If iron deficiency anaemia is found, iron supplementation may be recommended alongside investigation of why the iron is low.

Arrange a medical review when symptoms repeatedly interrupt sleep, affect work or mood, or spread beyond the usual evening pattern. Seek prompt advice for one-sided swelling, redness, warmth, sudden pain, or breathlessness, because these are not typical restless-legs features.

Contact a clinician sooner if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, have symptoms of anaemia such as marked tiredness, or take medicines that could worsen leg sensations. Sudden weakness or loss of bladder control needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether iron studies or another test is appropriate, whether a current medicine may contribute, and which treatment is safest for your sleep pattern and other conditions.