Sleep Disorders

Restless Leg Syndrome

That maddening urge to move your legs the moment you lie down — creeping, crawling, tingling — is real, common, and treatable. You don't have to just live with it.

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SPMedically reviewed by Sarah Patel, MD · Board-certified, fellowship-trained in Sleep Medicine

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New patients seen in-office or by telehealth, usually within the week.

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Most insurance accepted · (602) 206-6262

What is restless leg syndrome?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also called Willis-Ekbom disease, is a common neurological condition that creates an almost irresistible urge to move your legs. It usually comes with uncomfortable sensations — a creeping, crawling, aching, pulling or tingling feeling deep in the legs. The urge shows up or gets worse when you're resting, tends to strike in the evening and at night, and eases when you get up and move.

That timing is exactly why RLS is so disruptive: it hits hardest right when you're trying to fall asleep. Many people spend years thinking it's "just nerves" or a habit. It isn't — it's a real, recognized condition, and for most people it responds well to treatment.

Common symptoms

Doctors look for four features that, together, point to RLS. The urge to move:

1 Comes with uncomfortable leg sensations
2 Starts or worsens during rest
3 Is relieved by moving or walking
4 Is worse in the evening and at night
5 Disrupts falling and staying asleep
6 Can involve the arms in some people

Many people with RLS also have periodic limb movements of sleep — brief, repeated leg jerks during the night — which a bed partner may notice more than the patient does.

Causes & common triggers

RLS often has no single cause, but several factors are strongly linked to it. Identifying them is a big part of getting relief, because some are very treatable.

Low iron

Low iron stores in the body — measured by a blood test called ferritin — are one of the most common and correctable contributors to RLS.

Genetics

RLS frequently runs in families, especially when symptoms begin earlier in life. A parent or sibling with the same complaint is a common clue.

Pregnancy

RLS can appear or worsen during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester. It often eases on its own after delivery.

Medications & habits

Some antidepressants, antihistamines and anti-nausea drugs can trigger symptoms. Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol may make them worse.

RLS is also associated with certain chronic conditions, including kidney disease, iron-deficiency anemia and peripheral neuropathy. Part of our evaluation is sorting out what's driving your symptoms.

How we diagnose it

RLS is diagnosed mainly from your story, not a single test. A typical path with us looks like:

ConsultationAn in-person or telehealth visit to review your symptoms, their timing, and your family and medication history.

Iron & lab workBloodwork, including ferritin, to check iron stores and rule out other conditions that mimic or worsen RLS.

Sleep study when neededIf your sleep is very disrupted or another disorder is suspected, an easy take-home test or an overnight study in our accredited lab can clarify the picture.

Results & planYour physician reviews everything with you and builds a treatment plan tailored to your life.

Why treating it matters

Restless legs cost you more than a good night's sleep

When RLS keeps you awake night after night, the effects spill into your days. That's exactly why it's worth diagnosing and treating rather than simply enduring.

SleepChronic trouble falling & staying asleep

MoodLinked to daytime fatigue, anxiety & low mood

FocusPoor concentration & daytime sleepiness

LifeStrain on relationships & quality of life

Good news

Most people with RLS get real relief

Treatment is step-by-step. We start with the simplest, safest changes and add medication only when it's truly needed — always matched to what's driving your symptoms.

Check & correct iron

If your ferritin is low, restoring your iron — with guidance on the right form and dose — can meaningfully reduce or resolve symptoms for many patients.

First-line

Lifestyle & triggers

Better sleep habits, gentle evening movement, and cutting back on caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. We'll also review medications that may be making things worse.

Medication when needed

When symptoms are frequent or severe, your physician may add a prescription medicine. The usual first choices are the gentler gabapentin-type medicines (gabapentin, gabapentin enacarbil, or pregabalin); dopamine-related medicines (such as ropinirole, pramipexole, or the rotigotine patch) are used more selectively, because they can slowly worsen symptoms over time — an effect called augmentation that your physician watches for.

Please don't start or stop any medication on your own — some over-the-counter drugs can worsen RLS. Let your physician guide the plan.

Restless leg syndrome FAQs

Is restless leg syndrome dangerous?

RLS itself isn't life-threatening, but the sleep loss it causes can affect your mood, focus, energy and overall health. It can also signal something worth checking, like low iron. That's why it's worth a proper evaluation rather than living with it.

Will taking an iron supplement fix it?

Sometimes — but only when your iron stores are actually low, and only at the right dose. Too much iron can be harmful. We test your ferritin first and guide any supplementation, so please don't start iron on your own.

Do I need an overnight sleep study for RLS?

Often, no. RLS is usually diagnosed from your symptoms and simple bloodwork. A sleep study is added only when your sleep is badly disrupted or we suspect another condition, such as sleep apnea, alongside it.

Does insurance cover the evaluation and treatment?

Most major Arizona plans and Medicare cover office visits, lab work and any needed testing. We'll verify your specific benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. Visit our insurance page or call the office to check your plan.

How soon can I be seen?

New patients are typically seen within the week, in person in Glendale or by telehealth anywhere in Arizona.

Sleep well. Be well.

Quiet your legs. Reclaim your nights.

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Book an appointment Call (602) 206-6262