My restless legs are driving me crazy: what should I know?

People may describe crawling, pulling, tingling, aching or an inner agitation in the legs. Symptoms commonly become stronger while sitting or lying down and may ease temporarily with walking, stretching or moving the legs. Restless legs syndrome is a condition that follows this pattern and can disturb sleep. Iron deficiency anaemia, chronic kidney disease, some medicines and peripheral neuropathy can contribute to restless-leg symptoms, but the symptom alone does not identify one cause.

Keep a simple diary of timing, sensations, sleep disruption, caffeine, alcohol, exercise and medicines. Gentle walking, calf stretches, massage or a warm bath may provide temporary comfort. Keep regular sleep and wake times, and avoid intense exercise close to bedtime if it aggravates symptoms. Do not start iron supplementation without a clinician confirming that iron is low; excess iron can be harmful and the right preparation depends on the cause.

Book an appointment when symptoms repeatedly interrupt sleep, affect concentration or begin after a medicine change. A clinician may review medicines and request blood tests for iron status or other contributors. Seek urgent care for a suddenly swollen, hot or painful leg, new weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or breathlessness with chest pain, because these features need a different assessment from typical restless legs.

Ask whether your symptoms fit restless legs syndrome, whether iron testing is appropriate, and whether a current medicine could be worsening them. Share your sleep pattern, family history, pregnancy status if relevant, kidney health and any numbness or burning.