Restless leg syndrome (RLS) symptoms are characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs, usually deep inside the leg between the knee and ankle.  Sometimes these sensations can occur in other parts of the body, including the feet, thighs, arms and hands, but this is less common.  These sensations usually affect both sides of the body at the same time, and they happen most often when trying to rest, creating an irresistible urge to move the legs and disturbing rest or sleep.

Since moving the legs relieves the discomfort, people with RLS often keep their legs in motion. They may pace the floor, constantly move their legs while sitting, or toss and turn in bed.  Sleep is disrupted, which results in insomnia and daytime fatigue.

Restless leg syndrome symptoms may be less noticeable during the day and more noticeable at night, especially when trying to rest or sleep. Other triggers for RLS symptoms include periods of inactivity such as:

• Long-distance car trips or airplane flights
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Enforced immobilization, such as being in a cast

There is a wide range in the severity of restless leg syndrome symptoms.  Mild RLS can occur from time to time, with long breaks in between episodes, little disruption of sleep and only mild distress.  More severe cases might occur once or twice a week, but cause extended insomnia to the point of disrupting daytime activities.  The most severe cases cause significant sleep deprivation, much distress, and significant daytime fatigue.

Restless leg syndrome symptoms can begin at any age—even in infants—although RLS is more commonly found as age increases.  Sometimes RLS sufferers will spontaneously improve over a period of time, but this reduction of RLS symptoms usually occurs only in the early stages of the disorder.  It is more common that symptoms will become more severe over time.

People who have secondary RLS (see next tab, “RLS Causes & Diagnosis”) will often develop severe symptoms more rapidly than those with primary RLS, especially if the symptoms began at an early age.  Those with early-onset RLS symptoms experience a slower progression of the disorder, and many years may pass before symptoms occur regularly.