What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?
🦵 Restless Legs Syndrome: Why You Can’t Sit Still (and How to Sleep Better)
😣 What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Also known as Willis–Ekbom disease, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder that causes an overwhelming urge to move or stretch your legs to relieve uncomfortable sensations.
People often describe it as:
“A crawling or tingling feeling — like ants under the skin.”
While not dangerous, RLS can be extremely uncomfortable and can seriously disrupt your sleep. That’s why it’s classed as a sleep disorder rather than just a movement condition.
💤 How RLS Affects Sleep
RLS usually worsens in the evening or at night, just when you’re trying to relax or fall asleep. The constant need to stretch, move, or fidget can lead to:
- Long, restless nights
- Daytime exhaustion
- Poor concentration
- Low mood or irritability
Over time, this cycle of poor sleep and fatigue can have a significant impact on your mental health, relationships and work life.
📊 How Common Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
RLS affects around 10% of people in the UK, though experts believe the real number may be much higher.
Symptoms vary widely — some people experience mild restlessness, while others find it intolerable and life-disrupting.
Although it most often affects the legs, RLS can sometimes spread to the feet, arms, hands, torso or even the head.
⚠️ Common Symptoms of RLS
If you’re wondering whether you or someone you know might have RLS, here are typical signs to watch for:
- Temporary relief after stretching, walking or massaging the area (but symptoms return within minutes)
- Discomfort that worsens when sitting still — like in a car, cinema, or plane
- Sensations that intensify in the evening or at bedtime
- A family history of similar symptoms
- More common in adults, though children can also be affected
🧠 What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?
Researchers still don’t fully understand RLS, but it’s thought to be linked to:
- Imbalances in dopamine (a brain chemical that controls muscle movement)
- Genetics — RLS can run in families
- Iron deficiency or certain medications
- Pregnancy, which can temporarily worsen symptoms
- Underlying conditions such as diabetes or peripheral neuropathy
🦵 How to Ease RLS and Improve Sleep
There’s no single cure, but there are several ways to manage symptoms and make your nights more comfortable.
1. Move Regularly
Gentle stretching, yoga, or a short walk before bed can help ease tension in the legs.
2. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Wind down with warm baths, calming scents, and slow breathing. The less anxious you feel, the less likely your symptoms are to flare up.
3. Check Your Sleep Setup
Supportive bedding can make a big difference. Try sleeping with a Kally Knee Pillow between your legs to improve hip and spine alignment and relieve pressure on your joints.
Comfortable and ergonomically designed, the Kally Knee Pillow is ideal for restless sleepers or anyone needing extra support through the night.
🛏️ Explore the Kally Knee Pillow — soft, supportive, and designed to help you rest easier.
4. Avoid Triggers
Limit caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening. These can worsen symptoms and make it harder to relax.
5. Speak to Your Doctor
If your symptoms are frequent or severe, see your GP. They can test for underlying issues like iron deficiency and discuss possible treatments or medication options.
🌙 Don’t Suffer in Silence
Restless Legs Syndrome may be common, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with sleepless nights.
By combining small lifestyle changes, supportive products, and medical guidance, you can regain control of your rest and your wellbeing.
At Kallysleep, we’re here to help you find comfort, support, and peaceful sleep — every night.
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