RLS Treatment: What Works, What to Avoid, and How to Find Relief

When your legs won’t stop crawling, tingling, or aching—especially at night—you’re not just tired. You’re dealing with restless legs syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often worsening during rest or at night. Also known as Willems disease, it affects up to 10% of adults and often gets misdiagnosed as simple restlessness or poor sleep habits. The good news? RLS treatment can make a huge difference—if you know where to start.

Many people with RLS have low iron levels, even if their blood tests look normal. Doctors often check ferritin (the stored form of iron), and if it’s under 50 mcg/L, iron supplements can cut symptoms in half. But not all supplements work the same. Ferrous sulfate is common, but ferrous bisglycinate is gentler on the stomach and better absorbed. Skip the antacids when taking iron—they block absorption. Also, avoid caffeine and alcohol after noon. Both make RLS worse, and many don’t realize it. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, doctors may turn to dopamine agonists, medications that mimic dopamine in the brain, helping control the urge to move. Pramipexole and ropinirole are common, but they can cause nausea or sudden sleep attacks. That’s why some patients try gabapentin, a nerve-calming drug originally for seizures, now widely used for RLS without the dopamine-related side effects. It’s not addictive and works well for nighttime symptoms.

Some people swear by leg massages, warm baths, or even vibrating pads—devices like the Relaxis pad are FDA-cleared for RLS and help distract the nervous system. Stretching before bed, especially calf and hamstring stretches, can also reduce intensity. But don’t waste time on unproven fixes like magnesium alone—it helps a bit for some, but not enough to replace real treatment. And never ignore RLS if it’s linked to kidney disease, pregnancy, or nerve damage. Those cases need different approaches.

Below, you’ll find real stories and science-backed advice from people who’ve been there. From how to track symptoms so your doctor actually listens, to why certain medications backfire, to what to do when nothing seems to work—these posts cut through the noise. No fluff. Just what helps—and what doesn’t.