Causes of Restless Legs Syndrome, From Genetics to Pregnancy

Secondary RLS
Before you consider drug treatment for RLS, it's important to make sure your condition is not aggravated by something that can be cured or controlled on its own. Pregnancy sometimes causes temporary symptoms which usually disappear slightly before or after giving birth.

Other conditions that have been linked to RLS include diabetes, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney failure. Iron deficiency, or anemia, can also be a cause (though it is not that common), and is usually treated with dietary supplements.

"When a patient comes in with RLS symptoms, the first thing we do is check iron levels," says Dr. Gamaldo. "Sometimes restless legs can be a blessing in disguise, because they alert us to underlying medical conditions. If a seemingly healthy man under 50 turns out to be iron-deficient, we consider the causes: blood loss, colon polyp, colon cancer. We might catch a previously undiagnosed problem."

Factors that aggravate RLS
Sleep deprivation can make subtle RLS symptoms much worse, so sleep specialists often find that when a separate cause of sleep loss is treated—insomnia with medication, or sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy—patients report that their RLS improves as well.

Another drug you're taking can trigger RLS as well, so if you've noticed restless legs while on the course of any medication, mention it to your doctor. Here are some drugs that can affect RLS.
• Calcium-channel blockers (blood pressure and heart medications)
• Reglan (metoclopramide), a heartburn medication
• Anti-nausea medications
• Some cold and allergy medications
• Major tranquilizers (including haloperidol and phenothiazines)
• Phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication)
• Antidepressants

For people who are predisposed to RLS, substances such as caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may also trigger symptoms. If you are experiencing restless legs, talk to your doctor about potential causes and treatments.