'What could be causing my restless legs at night?': Consult a medical professional.

Some individuals may experience sleepless nights due to thoughts that race, caffeine reactions, or overstimulation from using devices before bedtime.

For individuals with restless legs syndrome (RLS), achieving quality sleep can be challenging.

The condition known as RLS is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, which is often accompanied by sensations such as tingling, pain, numbness, or a feeling of being pulled.

Two medical doctors were interviewed by Planet Chronicle Digital to provide insights on the condition and ways to manage triggers and symptoms.

What to know about restless legs syndrome

The uncomfortable urge to move the legs is a symptom of restless legs syndrome, a neurological condition.

"According to Beth Oller, M.D., a family physician with Rooks County Health Center in Stockton, Kansas, this usually happens in the evening or night when someone is sitting or lying down, but can also occur anytime someone is sitting for a prolonged period of time, such as while riding in a car or a plane. This can interfere with sleep and rest."

RLS affects between 7% and 10% of the United States population.

According to Cleveland Clinic, the risk of developing this condition increases with age and is more common among women.

According to Oller, early-onset RLS is a condition where the diagnosis is made before age 45. This type tends to run in families and progresses slowly.

Late-onset RLS begins after age 45 and progresses more quickly.

Symptoms and causes

The main symptom of RLS is an uncomfortable feeling in the legs that causes the urge to move them.

Oller described the sensation as tingling, itching, crawling, creeping, or aching and throbbing.

"The calf area is where these sensations are typically felt, and they intensify when you're at rest."

Symptoms may not always be evident in the evening but can manifest while sitting for extended periods.

Genetics may be a contributing factor to the specific cause of RLS.

Some gene variants have been linked to RLS, which often runs in families, according to Oller.

Additionally, some medications, excessive caffeine use, and alcohol consumption have been linked to RLS, she stated.

A family physician with Salem Family Care in Salem, Ohio, Mike Sevilla, M.D., stated that certain lifestyle habits may affect the condition.

"My patients' RLS symptoms can be exacerbated by individual triggers such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, as I've observed in my conversations with them," he stated to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Finding relief

Oller stated that there is no way to prevent RLS, and the seriousness can vary from person to person.

The doctor states that while moving the legs can alleviate the discomfort of RLS, the relief is temporary and short-lived.

She pointed out that although there is no cure, there are methods to alleviate symptoms.

Testing and correcting any existing iron deficiency can be a contributing factor to the first-line treatment.

Lifestyle changes may also help reduce RLS occurrence and symptoms, Oller said.

To alleviate the condition, she advises against engaging in heavy or intense exercise close to bedtime, despite the benefits of moderate exercise.

To relax and rejuvenate in the evening, Salem recommends stretching leg muscles, soaking in a warm bath, and adhering to a consistent sleep schedule of six to eight hours each night.

Abstaining from caffeine and alcohol for several hours prior to sleep can alleviate symptoms.

If these approaches don't work, there are medications available to treat RLS.

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"Typically, the initial medications prescribed will boost dopamine levels in the legs, such as pramipexole or ropinirole," Oller stated.

If you're experiencing ongoing symptoms that interfere with your sleep, consult a doctor for advice.