What does Restless Legs Syndrome feel like?
RLS is characterized by an overwhelming (can be distressing) uncomfortable feeling inside the legs (not on the skin) that is ameliorated by moving the legs. Post movement the uncomfortable sensation in the legs returns gradually increasing in intensity until there is an irresistible urge to move the legs again. Then the cycle of uncomfortable feelings and movement repeats. The sensation in the legs can be difficult to describe. Some common descriptors are:
-
Need to move
-
Creeping or crawling
-
Tingling or "pins and needles"
-
Pulling or tugging
-
Aching or throbbing
-
Crawling insects under the skin
-
Electric shocks
-
Prickly or painful
-
Itching
The sensations range in severity from uncomfortable to irritating to painful. Severe RLS causing pain is usually more of an ache than a sharp, stabbing pain. (For more information, see the description of RLS from the Brain Foundation and the "Signs and Symptoms" section from Wikipedia).
Typical movements to relieve the unpleasant leg sensation are:
-
Pacing and walking
-
Jiggling the legs
-
Stretching and flexing
-
Tossing and turning
-
Rubbing the legs
For more information, see the "Signs and Symptoms" description of RLS from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
It's not uncommon for RLS symptoms to come and go. Symptoms can disappear for a while (weeks or months) and then return. Primary RLS often is a lifelong condition. Symptoms often get worse over time. If an underlying condition or medicine triggers RLS (Secondary RLS), the RLS may go away if the trigger is relieved or stopped. For example, RLS that occurs due to pregnancy tends to go away after giving birth.
Although RLS typically involves the legs, in some unusual instances the arms, hands, thighs or feet may have the restless sensation. In rare circumstances RLS may affect the chest or head. RLS is strongly associated with inactivity. Usually RLS occurs at night while inactive and attempting to fall asleep. The onset of restless legs at night is due to the intersection of the endogenous circadian rhythm (body clock) decreasing dopamine levels (regulates smooth muscle movement) and inactivity. Uncommonly RLS can occur at different times of the day when inactive (e.g. sitting on a bus, a movie theatre or long-distance flight). RLS usually occurs in both sides of the body but can occur in just one side. (For more information, see the description of RLS from the Brain Foundation.
Sleep onset and maintenance complaints are reported by up to 90% of patients with RLS. Up to 80% of people with RLS also experience involuntary leg twitching or kicking during sleep. These leg movements occur every 15 to 40 seconds and are known as Periodic Limb Movement Syndrome (PLMS). This can further disrupt sleep. PLMS can occur without RLS especially in the elderly. Unlike RLS, the movements caused by PLMD are involuntary – people have no control over them.
RLS runs in families especially if the RLS begins before the age of 40. Researchers have identified a number of chromosomes that are associated with RLS. Genetics plays a massive role with 40% to 90% of individuals with RLS having at least one first-degree relative with the condition.
Dolphins sleep with only half their brain. Meanwhile the other half brain stays alert looking out for danger, breathing and swimming. After one hemisphere of the brain has had a adequate amount of sleep the sleep swaps to the other hemisphere. While one side of the brain is sleeping the opposite eye is closed with the other eye open. There is no evidence to suggest that dolphins have restless fin syndrome. No one has checked it out.
Did you know there are 5 stages of sleep? Stage 1 and 2 are light sleep, stage 3 and 4 are deep sleep and then there is REM (rapid eye movement / dreaming sleep). For most adults, approximately 50% to 60% of total sleep time is spent in light sleep. About 15% to 25% of time is spent in deep sleep. And then 20% to 25% of time is spent in REM sleep. Light sleep is the bridge to the more restorative stages (3 and 4). Deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep is the most restorative phase of the sleep cycle. Deep sleep is when the body and brain perform critical maintenance tasks.
Daytime symptoms of the restless legs syndrome
An episode of RLS can last for several hours. This leads to an inability to fall asleep resulting in sleep deprivation. Additionally, PLMS disturbs sleep. This sleep loss may lead to daytime symptoms including:
-
Excessive daytime sleepiness
-
Reduced concentration
-
Memory lapses
-
Poor decision making
-
Microsleeps
-
Irritability
-
Heightened anxiety
-
Mood swings and /or depression
-
Lack of motivation
-
Fatigue and lethargy
-
Reduced sexual desire and erectile dysfunction
-
Reduced coordination
-
Weakened immune system
-
Appetite changes
-
Reduced quality of life
-
Reduced productivity
For more information, see the Signs and symptoms of RLS from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke).
Last reviewed 21/07/2026
The timing of restless legs syndrome (RLS) isn't random it is in part due to the internal body clock. Did you know that the body has in own clock? The circadian pacemaker, that controls many biological systems, is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a tiny region of the brain sitting in the hypothalamus. The SCN synchronises rhythms in a 24-hour cycle. Light is important in setting the SCN rhythm. The circadian rhythm governs the sleep/wake cycle but also influences body temperature (which typically hits its lowest point in the early morning and peaks in the late afternoon). The SCN controls hormone release (the timing of melatonin cycle [the "sleep hormone"] and cortisol (the "wakefulness hormone"). The SCN also influences digestion. The metabolism is more efficient at processing food during daylight hours, as your body is biologically primed to handle caloric intake when it is active. The body clock regulates enzymes such as tyrosine hydroxylase, required to synthesize dopamine. There is an night time dip in tyrosine hydroxylase leading to decreased dopamine worsening RLS. Genetic variations cause people to have different cycles "chronotypes." Some individuals have a naturally shifted rhythm that causes them to reach their peak alertness early in the morning, while others are biologically programmed to feel most productive and alert late at night. This is not just a preference; it is a genetically influenced variation in internal timing. To keep your clock healthy get some sunshine in the morning. Keep a regular bedtime and wake time.