Skip to main navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer For Individuals & Families: For Individuals & Families For Individuals & Families Shop for Plans Member Guide Member Guide Find a Doctor Find a Doctor Log in to myCigna

Restless Legs Syndrome

Condition Basics

What is restless legs syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome is a disorder related to sensation and movement. People with RLS have an unpleasant feeling or sensation in parts of their bodies when they lie down to sleep. Most people also have a very strong urge to move. And moving sometimes makes them feel better. But all this movement makes it hard or impossible to get enough sleep.

RLS usually affects the legs. But it can cause unpleasant feelings in the arms, torso, or even a phantom limb. A phantom limb is the part of a limb that has been amputated.

When you don't get enough sleep, you may start to have problems getting things done during the day because you're so tired. You may also be sleepy or have trouble concentrating. So it's important to see your doctor and get help to manage your symptoms.

What causes it?

Usually there isn't a clear reason for restless legs. The problem often runs in families. Sometimes pregnant women get it, or people who don't get enough iron. And it can be linked to other health problems, such as kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritisrheumatoid arthritis, and diabetesdiabetes.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of RLS is uncomfortable or painful sensations that happen after you lie down to sleep. The sensations are described as aching, creeping, crawling, or prickling. Often, the uncomfortable feelings make you want to move, instead of sleep. Sometimes, RLS also causes jerking movements.

How is it diagnosed?

If you think you have RLS, your doctor will review your symptoms and will look for any other causes of your symptoms. You may get tested for other conditions. And your doctor may recommend a sleep study.

How is RLS treated?

If your RLS symptoms are mild, a few lifestyle changes may be enough to control them. You may find it helpful to:

  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine.
  • Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and comfortable. Use it only for sleeping, not for watching TV.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Massage the leg or the arm, or use heat or ice packs.

When symptoms are more severe, medicines may help control the urge to move and help you sleep. There are different types of medicine, and you may have to try a few to find the one that works best.

Cause Symptoms When to Call a Doctor Exams and Tests Treatment Overview Self-Care

Current as of: December 3, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of UseTerms of Use. Learn how we develop our contenthow we develop our content.

© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Page Footer

I want to...

Audiences

Secure Member Sites

The Cigna Group Information

 Cigna. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

Selecting these links will take you away from Cigna.com to another website, which may be a non-Cigna website. Cigna may not control the content or links of non-Cigna websites. Details Details