What Causes the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Often there is no known cause for Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). In this case it is called idiopathic RLS.

There are quite a few risk factors for the RLS. The risk factors have been divided into 4 main categories:

Demographics: Age, gender, genetics and pregnancy.
Medications known to cause RLS: Including antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium and beta-blockers.
Neurobiological influences: Including Iron, dopamine, glutamate and adenosine.
Medical disorders: Including peripheral neuropathy, Parkinson's disease, varicose veins, thyroid function, sleep deprivation, kidney disease, spinal cord conditions, diabetes and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Last reviewed: 05/09/2026