Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurologic disorder marked by an uncomfortable feeling in the legs combined with an overwhelming urge to move the legs, which temporarily relieves the feeling. The condition affects 2 to 3 percent of children in the U.S. and may be genetic.
The symptoms of RLS are usually worse at night when a child is lying in bed. Children often have difficulty falling asleep and are restless in bed with complaints of leg discomfort. Some children may report these symptoms as “spiders crawling” or an urge to shake the legs or walk around to relieve the discomfort.
Other symptoms of RLS include:
- Frequent leg kicking during sleep
- Tossing and turning in bed
- Bubbling, pulling or tugging sensation in the legs
- Burning or searing sensation in the legs
- Aching, throbbing or pain in the legs
- Itching or gnawing feeling in the legs
RLS can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A child may resist normal bedtime and refuse to go to sleep until late at night. Because the child is not sleeping well, there may also be behavioral changes that include:
- Aggression
- Poor concentration
- Hyperactivity
- Daytime sleepiness
Symptoms may also be caused by periods of inactivity such as long car trips, sitting in a movie theater, long-distance flights or immobilization in a cast. Parents may mistake these symptoms for “growing pains” or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome
To diagnose RLS, a pediatric neurologist or sleep medicine specialist can help evaluate your child’s symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment. The four basic diagnostic criteria are:
- Symptoms are worse at night, can occur during the day and are absent or minor in the morning
- Overwhelming need or urge to move the legs
- Symptoms are triggered by rest, relaxation or sleep
- Symptoms are temporarily relieved with movement
Treatments
Treatments
Although there is no cure for RLS, symptoms can be managed with techniques that include:
- Physical activity in the late afternoon or early evening
- Evaluating for and treating micronutrient deficiency such as iron and magnesium
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- RLS is a neurologic disorder marked by an uncomfortable feeling in the legs combined with an overwhelming urge to move the legs.
- Movement temporarily relieves the symptoms of RLS.
- RLS affects about 2 to 3 percent of children in the U.S.
- Symptoms are usually worse at night when a child is in bed.
- Parents may mistake RLS symptoms for “growing pains” or attention deficit disorder.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Use the information below to learn more about RLS.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
This RLS fact sheet from the National Institutes of Health covers the causes and symptoms of RLS and more.