What is the first treatment tried for restless legs syndrome?

Restless legs syndrome causes an urge to move the legs, often with crawling, pulling or uncomfortable sensations that are worse during rest and in the evening. A GP consultation can review symptoms, medicines, pregnancy, kidney problems and sleep. A blood test may check iron stores and other possible contributors. Replacing iron is considered when testing shows it is low; taking iron without assessment can be unhelpful or harmful. Medicines for persistent symptoms are considered only after the cause and symptom pattern have been reviewed.

Keep regular sleep and wake times, use gentle leg movement or stretching in the evening, and limit caffeine, nicotine and alcohol if they worsen symptoms. Review medicines with a clinician rather than stopping them yourself, because some can aggravate the urge to move. Record when symptoms occur and whether movement relieves them; this can make the consultation more useful.

Arrange medical review when symptoms repeatedly disturb sleep, affect work or travel, or begin after a new medicine. Seek prompt help for sudden one-sided leg swelling, warmth, severe pain or breathlessness, because those features need assessment for causes other than restless legs syndrome.

Ask whether a blood test should check iron stores, whether any medicine may be worsening symptoms, and which treatment is suitable if sleep remains disrupted after contributing factors are addressed.