Why do I get restless legs at night?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Restless legs syndrome: an unstoppable urge to move the legs that strikes at rest and in the evening, briefly relieved by moving - MedlinePlus's description matches the experience exactly. The signature is timing: worst at night, quieted by movement. The fixable drivers: iron deficiency (a ferritin test is the check, and treating low iron helps), pregnancy, kidney disease, some antidepressants and sedating antihistamines, caffeine, and alcohol. First-line fixes: regular moderate exercise, consistent sleep, warm baths and stretching before bed. Legs wrecking sleep most nights: doctor visit - iron first, prescriptions if needed.
What to do
- Ask for a ferritin test. Low iron is common, hidden, and treatable.
- Cut the triggers. Caffeine, alcohol, and sedating antihistamines all worsen it.
- Move and stretch before bed. Moderate daily exercise plus evening leg stretching.
- See a doctor for most-nights disruption. Prescription options exist when habits fall short.
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