• Leg discomfort that may be described as tugging, burning, jittery, tingling or like insects crawling inside the legs.
• Symptoms range from discomfort to pain. They tend to be felt deep in the calves, but occasionally may occur in other parts of the lower limb or in the arms.
• The sufferer is overwhelmed by the desire to stand up or move around when they are sitting or lying down. Although this movement temporarily relieves the uncomfortable sensations, the situation also makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.
• In addition, many patients experience twitching of the leg muscles during sleep. This may occur as frequently as every five seconds, severely interfering with sleep, and causing daytime fatigue.
• Because restless legs syndrome is often mistaken for muscle cramps, insomnia or stress, it is common for symptoms to be present for many years prior to diagnosis.
• Some patients experience restless legs syndrome only intermittently, and may be symptom-free for weeks or months at a time.

The cause of restless legs syndrome has not been established, however it is possible that an imbalance in the neurotransmitter dopamine (which helps to control muscle movement) could contribute to the disorder.

Other contributing factors may include:

• Genetics: A family history of restless legs syndrome is present in as many as 50% of cases.
• Iron deficiency.
• Pregnancy: Restless legs syndrome often develops in the last trimester of pregnancy, resolving approximately a month after the baby is born. Women who already have restless legs syndrome may experience a worsening of their symptoms during pregnancy.

Restless legs syndrome is often present in patients with peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage affecting the hands and feet), kidney failure (as a consequence of iron deficiency), and Parkinson’s disease.

Symptoms may be aggravated by the use of alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications (including some of those used to treat digestion problems, depression, nausea and high blood pressure). Stress may also exacerbate the problems.

• If you are low in iron, taking an iron supplement may help to reduce the symptoms of restless legs syndrome.  
• Taking magnesium may help to manage restless legs syndrome, especially if it is associated with leg cramps or nighttime jerking of the muscles. Magnesium helps all the muscles of the body to function optimally and to contract in a normal, healthy way. Taking a magnesium supplement may help prevent muscular cramps and spasms and aid in the management of leg cramps that occur during the night. It is also important for nervous system function.
• For best results, it is recommended that magnesium be taken in an easily absorbed powdered form. It is often taken with other nutrients that are also involved in the maintenance and repair of muscle tissue, such as folic acid and vitamins C and B12.
• Ginkgo biloba may help if the condition is accompanied by poor circulation.
• Taking herbs such as passionflower, lemon balm and hops may help to relieve insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns, especially when associated with stress or tension.