RLS Treatment: What Works, What Doesn’t, and What You Need to Know

When your legs won’t stop crawling, tingling, or aching—especially at night—you’re not just tired. You might have restless legs syndrome, a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often disrupting sleep. Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, it affects about 1 in 10 adults and isn’t just "a little fidgetiness." It’s a real, measurable disorder tied to brain chemistry and iron levels. Many people try to tough it out, but there are proven ways to manage it—some simple, some medical.

Iron deficiency, even without anemia, is one of the most common underlying causes of RLS. Studies show that low ferritin levels (your body’s iron storage) directly worsen symptoms. That’s why doctors often check your iron first—not just your blood count. If your levels are low, a simple iron supplement, taken with vitamin C for better absorption, can make a huge difference. On the flip side, dopamine agonists, medications that boost dopamine in the brain, are the most commonly prescribed drugs for moderate to severe RLS. Drugs like ropinirole and pramipexole work for many, but they can cause side effects like nausea or even impulse control issues. Not everyone needs them. Some find relief with lifestyle changes: cutting caffeine, avoiding alcohol before bed, or doing light stretching. Others benefit from compression socks or warm baths. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

What you won’t find in most guides is how often RLS gets misdiagnosed as just poor sleep or stress. Or how certain medications—like antidepressants or antihistamines—can make it worse. That’s why knowing what’s really going on matters. The posts below cover everything from how to talk to your doctor about testing your iron levels, to real patient experiences with dopamine drugs, to why some people find relief with magnesium or acupuncture. You’ll also see how RLS connects to other conditions like kidney disease and pregnancy. This isn’t theoretical. These are the tools, tests, and tricks people are using right now to finally get a good night’s sleep.