What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological disorder. If you've ever had that crawling, tingling, or throbbing sensation in your legs during sleep and felt a nearly irresistible urge to move, then you’ve experienced RLS.
How It Happens
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, here are several key factors that contribute:
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Dopaminergic dysfunction and low iron levels in the brain
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Genetic links from family
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Secondary causes: Iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidney disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, certain medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines)
What It Feels Like
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Sensations: Often described as crawling, burning, itching, or aching
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Triggers: Typically happen at night or after sitting for long periods
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Relief: Walking, stretching, or jiggling the legs often helps temporarily
Who Gets It?
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In New Zealand it affects about 7% of adults, is twice as common in women, and increases with age.
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In Australia it affects 5–15% of adults, with over 90% experiencing insomnia.
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Globally about 7% of adults aged 20–79 experience RLS.
How to Help Yourself (Self‑Care Tips)
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Improve sleep hygiene: Maintain consistent sleep routines; avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine before bed.
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Regular exercise: Particularly gentle evening workouts and stretching.
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Leg massages, warm baths, or hot/cold compresses before bed.
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Iron level testing and supplementation if ferritin is low.
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Reduce triggers: Check medications and minimise caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine.
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Compression: In cases related to venous insufficiency, compression stockings may help.
When to See a Medical Professional
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Symptoms disrupt your sleep or daytime functioning
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They occur more than twice a week or severely affect your quality of life
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You suspect an underlying issue like iron deficiency, kidney disease, diabetes, or pregnancy-related conditions
References
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Bpacnz. (2012). Managing restless legs syndrome: What are the options? Best Practice Journal, (48). Retrieved from https://bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2012/december/restlesslegs.aspx
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Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9497-restless-legs-syndrome
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Mayo Clinic. (2024). Restless legs syndrome - Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/restless-legs-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20377168
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Healthify NZ. (2024). Restless legs syndrome. Retrieved from https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/r/restless-legs-syndrome
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Psychology Today. (2024). Restless legs syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/nz/conditions/restless-legs-syndrome
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Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. (2024). Restless Legs Syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.woolcock.org.au/resources/restless-legs-syndrome