Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

Updated August 21, 2025

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Table of Contents

Addressing the Root Cause
Medication
Supplements
Medical Devices
Home Remedies
Lifestyle Changes

Key Takeaways

Medications: The most common medications for restless leg syndrome include anti-seizure medications and iron supplementation for those with low levels.
Medical Devices: Wearable devices that stimulate the muscles can prevent RLS symptoms without disrupting sleep.
Home Remedies: At-home restless leg syndrome treatment can include symptom-relieving warm baths, massage, stretching, and walking.

When you have restless legs syndrome (RLS), you feel an uncontrollable urge to move your legs and sometimes arms, a sensation that can wake you throughout the night. Trusted Source National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) NINDS aims to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. View Source Trusted Source Merck Manual First published in 1899 as a small reference book for physicians and pharmacists, the Manual grew in size and scope to become one of the most widely used comprehensive medical resources for professionals and consumers. View Source Although this sleep-related movement disorder has no cure, there are treatment options available that can help manage the discomfort and reduce sleep disruptions.

Treatment for restless legs syndrome often depends on whether there are underlying conditions contributing to your symptoms. While the exact cause of RLS isn’t fully understood, experts believe it may be linked to factors such as stress, low iron or vitamin D levels, and imbalances in brain chemicals like GABA. Based on these possibilities, your doctor will tailor a treatment plan that targets the most likely cause. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source Trusted Source Neurotherapeutics View Source

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Addressing the Underlying Cause

Since RLS can occur on its own or as a result of another medical condition, treatment for RLS symptoms may need to be approached differently depending on the root cause. Before proceeding with RLS treatment, experts recommend looking for other conditions that could be causing or aggravating RLS symptoms Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source . Common culprits include:

Sleep deprivation
Stress
A sedentary lifestyle
Obesity
Alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine use
Pregnancy
Diabetes
Sleep-disordered breathing
Peripheral neuropathy
Renal insufficiency
Medication such as antihistamines and certain antidepressants

For many people, addressing these factors may lead to a drastic reduction in RLS symptoms. However, if symptoms are still bothersome, or if they interfere with sleep, doctors may advise additional treatments.

Restless Legs Syndrome Medication

Your doctor can suggest medications as treatment for restless leg syndrome based on your symptoms and medical history.

Anti-Seizure Drugs

Anti-seizure medications like gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) affect how your brain releases neurotransmitters, which can improve RLS symptoms. Trusted Source Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) JCSM is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. View Source The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a version of gabapentin for RLS called Horizant, which is taken early every evening.

If high doses of gabapentin don’t reduce symptoms enough, providers will sometimes try pregabalin, which works similarly but can be absorbed in higher doses. Research shows these medications stay effective for one to five years, after which other treatment options can help.

In 2019, the FDA released a warning that gabapentin and pregabalin may cause breathing problems in people who also take opioid medications or have COPD, but your doctor can help you assess your risk.

Dopamine Agonists

Before 2012, dopamine agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole were considered a standard treatment for restless leg syndrome, but now the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) discourages their use.

Researchers have discovered this drug class may lessen RLS symptoms at first, but over time, it can cause serious side effects like excessive daytime sleepiness, “sleep attacks,” impulse-control problems, and addictive behaviors. It can also require higher and higher doses over time, and may end up worsening RLS symptoms. This phenomenon is called “augmentation.” Trusted Source Journal of Sleep Medicine View Source

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can treat anxiety, insomnia, and muscle spasms, and providers have historically prescribed them for RLS for their relaxing and sleep-inducing effects. Trusted Source Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine View Source But we now know these medications can cause severe dependence, side effects, and withdrawal symptoms, Trusted Source MDPI Open Access View Source so the AASM no longer recommends them for RLS.

Opioids

For severe cases of restless legs syndrome that don’t resolve with other treatments, some providers may prescribe an opioid medication like tramadol, oxycodone, or methadone.

Opioids work well for short-term management of discomfort associated with RLS, but can cause side effects like excessive drowsiness, constipation, and dependence. If opioids are needed, the AASM recommends using extended-release oxycodone, but your doctor will provide options with your health history in mind.

Supplements for Restless Legs Syndrome

Mineral levels in the bloodstream may play a role in RLS. For example, studies show people with RLS often have higher levels of zinc Trusted Source MDPI Open Access View Source and lower levels of iron and vitamin D than those without the disorder. Trusted Source Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements View Source Because of this, researchers have studied the potential therapeutic effects of taking dietary supplements for symptom relief.

Iron

Iron is the most studied and recommended supplement for restless legs syndrome, and the AASM recommends iron replacement as a first-line therapy for anyone with low levels. The ideal iron levels when treating RLS are usually on the high side of normal. Trusted Source Medicine View Source If iron tablets aren’t tolerated well or don’t raise iron levels enough, you can also get iron infusions through an IV.

Vitamin D

Since vitamin D may be connected to RLS, some experts recommend supplementing this nutrient for those with low levels. Current studies haven’t shown enough evidence to recommend vitamin D for RLS officially, Trusted Source Nutrients View Source but the AASM suggests this treatment option is worth additional research.

Magnesium

Magnesium is often recommended for leg cramps at night, and some research suggests it can also relieve RLS symptoms. Some studies have shown low magnesium levels correlate with worse RLS severity, and others show taking magnesium lessens discomfort. Trusted Source Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) JCSM is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. View Source Some studies, though, found no difference between those who took magnesium and those who didn’t, and more research is needed to prove its effectiveness. However, magnesium supplementation can help with general sleep quality.

Medical Devices

Some medical devices may treat restless leg syndrome by recreating the muscle movement that naturally provides relief from unpleasant RLS sensations. Trusted Source Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) JCSM is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. View Source

Peroneal Nerve Stimulation

The peroneal nerve runs along the back of the thigh until it gets to the knee, where it curves around, splits off into two, and continues all the way down to the toes. When you have RLS, this nerve can fail to stop signals from the spine that prompt involuntary leg movement. Trusted Source International Journal of Neuroscience View Source

Because of this connection, some devices aim to stimulate the peroneal nerve to tighten your muscles enough to lessen RLS symptoms but not disturb your sleep. The FDA recently approved a tonic motor activation (TOMAC) device for this purpose. To use it, you wear soft bands around the calf below each knee, and the device activates your muscles throughout the night. Research shows these devices are safe and well-tolerated by most people. Trusted Source Sleep View Source

Compression Foot Wrap

Another medical device option, a compression foot wrap, may also improve RLS severity, but has less research to back it up. In 2013, the FDA approved a compression wrap called Restiffic, which was designed to apply pressure to muscles in the feet for RLS symptom improvement. Trusted Source Neurology Neurology is the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. View Source

Vibrating Pad

Vibrating pads apply counter-stimulation to the skin to lessen RLS symptoms, and some studies show using one for just 30 minutes can improve sleep quality. Trusted Source Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM) JCSM is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. View Source One large study review confirmed these findings, reporting vibration therapy reduced RLS symptoms dramatically. Trusted Source Cureus Journal of Medical Science View Source

Home Remedies

Alongside other treatments, you can try home remedies for restless legs syndrome. Research shows these therapies may provide relief:

Massage
Warm baths
Stretching
Walking
Distraction
Acupressure Trusted Source Frontiers Frontiers is one of the largest and highest-cited publishers in the world and has information on more than 600 academic disciplines. View Source
Aromatherapy
Compression stockings

While studies don’t tell us a lot about how well these techniques work, they also come with very little risk, and so providers may recommend trying them.

Home Care Tips for Restless Legs Syndrome

Lifestyle Changes

Another way to keep restless legs syndrome at bay is to follow healthy lifestyle practices that encourage neurological health. The National Institutes of Health recommends the following habits to help reduce RLS severity.

Get Good Sleep

Try to sleep seven to eight hours each night, which may improve RLS symptoms. You can get your best sleep by following proper sleep hygiene: Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, follow a calming bedtime routine, and make your sleep space cool, dark, quiet, and comfortable. Trusted Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) The NHLBI is the nation's leader in the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. View Source

Exercise Regularly

Some small trials show exercise may also help improve RLS symptoms, but no recent research has confirmed this. However, regular exercise can improve sleep and many other body functions, and experts recommend trying for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity (or 75 of vigorous activity) each week, plus two days of muscle-strengthening activities. Trusted Source The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) The OODPHP plays a vital role in keeping the nation healthy. We accomplish this by setting national public health objectives and supporting programs, services, and education activities that improve the health of all Americans. View Source

Avoid Dietary Triggers

Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine can make RLS symptoms worse, so it’s best to avoid them, especially close to bedtime. Although alcohol can relax you, its overuse can actually dysregulate how your muscles relax and contract. Trusted Source Advances in Drug and Alcohol Research View Source In addition to relieving RLS symptoms, a healthy diet can help improve sleep quality.

Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Untreated obstructive sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are distinct sleep disorders, however they can worsen each other’s symptoms. Sleep apnea can cause fragmented sleep which amplifies RLS when sleep is disturbed. Untreated sleep apnea, especially if severe, can cause chronically low oxygen levels, inflammation, and changes in brain chemical balances, all of which may increase RLS symptoms.

“If there is a concern for sleep apnea, an evaluation by a sleep specialist and a sleep study may be warranted.”

Lulu Guo, MD

Sleep Medicine Physician

Ask About Your Medications

For some, antihistamines can worsen RLS symptoms, although experts don’t fully understand why. Some animal studies suggest they may affect part of the brain that controls your motor function, especially in RLS caused by low iron. Trusted Source Sleep View Source

Antipsychotic medications are also a known culprit in increased RLS symptoms. Trusted Source Cureus Journal of Medical Science View Source These medications change how certain neurotransmitters function in order to treat mental health disorders, which can cause restless leg symptoms as a side effect. If you take either of these medications regularly, you can ask your doctor if they (or any other medications) could be contributing to the problem.

Lifestyle changes like those above can help and are generally safe for anyone with RLS. But be sure to discuss your treatment plan as a whole with your doctor for the most benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking lots of water help restless legs?

Although no current research supports drinking water for restless leg syndrome relief, good hydration is vital for overall health. Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. View Source

What is the best position to sleep in with restless legs syndrome?

No recent studies show one position works best for RLS symptoms, but through trial and error, you may find some positions keep you more comfortable than others. Trusted Source Sensors (Basel) View Source

What makes restless legs syndrome worse at night?

Restless legs syndrome may be worse at night because dopamine levels naturally fall in response to your circadian rhythm (internal clock), which may affect RLS symptoms.

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Written By

Abby McCoy, RN, Contributing Writer

Abby McCoy is an experienced RN who has worked with adults and pediatric patients encompassing trauma, orthopedics, home care, transplant, and case management. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from St. Louis Univeristy and has practiced nursing all over the world from San Francisco, CA, to Tharaka, Kenya. She now writes health content for trusted health outlets like Everyday Health and Next Avenue.

Medically Reviewed by

Lulu Guo, MD, Sleep Medicine Physician

Dr. Lulu Guo is a graduate of the prestigious Medical Scholars program at Michigan State University and was admitted into medical school at the age of seventeen after completing undergraduate studies in two years. She is double board-certified in Family and Sleep Medicine.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

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Learn More About Restless Legs Syndrome

Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome

Addressing the Underlying Cause