Restless Legs Syndrome Explained (Willis-Ekbom Disease)

Restless Legs Syndrome is a common condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs. We look at what causes it, the symptoms, as well as diagnosis (criteria) and treatment options.

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Video Timestamps:
0:00 What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
0:31 Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
1:47 Restless Legs Syndrome Causes
4:08 Restless Legs Syndrome Risk Factors / Epidemiology
4:45 Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis (With Criteria)
5:36 Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment

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Disclaimer: Please remember this video and all content from Rhesus Medicine is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not a guide to diagnose or to treat any form of condition. The content is not to be used to guide clinical practice and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

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For more medicine videos consider subscribing (if you found any of the info useful!):

Video Timestamps:
0:00 What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
0:31 Restless Legs Syndrome Symptoms
1:47 Restless Legs Syndrome Causes
4:08 Restless Legs Syndrome Risk Factors / Epidemiology
4:45 Restless Legs Syndrome Diagnosis (With Criteria)
5:36 Restless Legs Syndrome Treatment

[TheWendybird]

I am really surprised a magnesium deficiency was not mentioned. Magnesium is very important for the health of nerves and muscles, and it helps with muscle relaxation. Muscles use calcium to contract, but need magnesium to relax. I take magnesium citrate or glycinate and it really helps to stop the RLS at night. I also notice that when I get myself to bed at an early hour, it also helps to avoid RLS; if I stay up later than say 10 or 10:30 pm, RLS happens. I do about 20 deep knee bends before bed, too - or if RLS begins - and that helps to stop it. Exercise, cutting back on the caffeine, and good sleep hygiene - and magnesium! - help me immensely. I've had RLS since my late 40s and wonder if it's connected to changes in hormones?

[LarrySchaeffer-ut]

I had RSL for over 35 years. Recently, I found I could stop it immediatly by taking electrolytes. It worked the first night I used it. Just one packet of electrolyte powder and one cup of cold water and no more problems with RSL. It really could work for you.

[markusmacmoore]

Does anyone else with RLS have the experience that you can think your way into it triggering? If I'm worried restless leg is going to act up and I focus on it too much, that can trigger it

[moderaterevolution]

Really hot water, and/or the massage effect from my shower head, gets rid of my night leg jerks. Some people confuse RLS, with night time leg jerks. I have night leg jerks. It only happens right as Im dozing off. I cure this with getting in the shower and spraying my thighs with really hot water for 10 to 15 mins. Works everytime. Im posting this because its basically a cure for it, and some people may be confusing having RSL, and night leg jerks.

[aema]

My symptoms are not just in the evenings or nights, but can begin as early as 1:00 pm daily. My PCP & PA absolutely do not get it!!! The prescription drug that has helped me the most is Pramipexole 0.125 mg, between 2 to 4 tablets per day. They won’t prescribe it in that amount! They will only order 2 tablets per day! Therefore my Medicare Insurance plan will not cover what I need to get by on a daily basis. NO MATTER HOW FREQUENTLY I EXPLAIN IT TO THE DOCTOR, THE PA, NOR THE INSURANCE PLAN.
So frustrating and tiring on a daily basis !!!

[tammygrace]

I walk at least 6km a day. If i don't i get restless leg syndrom. I hate it.

[joelharding]

I recently quit taking Sertraline for depression and a sleep aid containing diphenhydramine or Benedryl. The relief was nearly same-day immediate! I plan to include B1 & magnesium supplements, having heard these help with RLS as well. I'm a 66yo pre-diabetic over weight male non-smoker non-drinker. Wish me luck - the RLS was nearly unbearable.

[MichaelPerez-eusr]

I recently read a research article on PubMed suggesting that it is possible to have normal iron levels in peripheral tissues (in the blood), but yet still have iron deficiency in the brain/central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, blood tests that measure iron levels in the blood are not an accurate measure of iron levels in the bran/CNS. Thus, iron supplements taken on an empty stomach at bed time might still be effective treatment for RLS patients with normal serum iron levels.

[ngonz]

I’ve had this happen only a few times in my life. It happens when I’ve been really exhausted and I can’t go to sleep. It’s such a strange sensation.

[moniquerobertson]

I had to find this out through trial and error but cutting my caffeine intake down to 10 ounces of coffee per day made my RLS almost completely disappear. Too much caffeine can cause RLS symptoms to worsen.

[nellythevegan]

Thanks for an informative video I've had RLS over 30+years luckily I'm doing some of the things you mention which helps a great deal.. Luckily I have periods of remission.. I am also prescribe cannabis medicine and this also helps. It never occurred to me to find out what exactly RLS I accepted the diagnosis and got on with life.. ❤️

[AwesdddDDrtggy]

Hi I am 11 and my thigh sometimes wiggles from inside

[ahmedh.khorshid]

I don't have restless leg syndrome. Rather, I have restless FOOT syndrome, which I have never heard anyone speak about. Are they the same? I feel the urge to move my feet and to press them. Any thoughts? Doctors were not able to help me.

[monicamestas]

Thank you for this comprehensive presentation of Restless Legs Syndrome. I have never heard why it tends to be worse at night.

[bethbath]

Absolutely amazing video! Thank you 🙏🏼

[fionaestherfortuin]

I have periferal neuropathy
And rsl due to back failed syndrome, ,,, sceptacimia, ,,,
Cannibis drops an capsules helps a lot
With ibufren
If I skip magnesium one day
My leg cramps are real bad
Leaving my muscles sore for days bless u
Potassium wow I will get iron
B1 b3 b12 a must

[raymondsmith]

Mine started aout 3 months ago, all night continues rotating my feet and either big ateps or small steps upwards should i have it checked out?

[tortysoft]

Pramipexole and other dopamine agonists are no longer considered appropriate in the NHS since 2016 I have read, but I've been taking them for years and don't know how to stop. Nor does my Dr.

[VishalSharma-wuln]

I found out that my RLS was caused by Citalaprom. I am taking it alternate days to have a one good night sleep in every two days.