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Restless legs syndrome risk factors: who is more likely to get it
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes a powerful urge to move your legs, often when you sit or lie down, and can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. Here is what MedlinePlus and MedlinePlus Genetics, from the National Library of Medicine, say about who is more likely to get it, what can trigger it, and what helps.
What restless legs syndrome is
RLS causes a powerful urge to move your legs. Your legs become uncomfortable when you are lying down or sitting, and some people describe a creeping, crawling, tingling or burning feeling. Moving makes the legs feel better, but not for long. RLS can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep (MedlinePlus).
The feelings are usually worse at night. Symptoms range from mild, a few times a month, to severe, every night; in severe cases the arms or other parts of the body can be affected too (MedlinePlus Genetics). RLS is also called Willis-Ekbom disease (MedlinePlus Genetics). There is no score or calculator on this page; the factors below are the ones the sources name.
How common it is
RLS is one of the most common sleep and movement disorders. It affects an estimated 5 to 10 percent of adults and 2 to 4 percent of children in the United States. For unknown reasons it affects women more often than men, and it becomes more common with age (MedlinePlus Genetics).
Who is more likely to get RLS
In most cases there is no known cause for RLS (MedlinePlus). It likely results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, many of which are unknown (MedlinePlus Genetics). The sources name these factors:
- Family history. The disorder often runs in families: 40 to 90 percent of people with RLS report at least one affected parent, sibling or other first-degree relative (MedlinePlus Genetics).
- Age and sex. RLS becomes more common with age and affects women more often than men (MedlinePlus Genetics).
- Low iron and anemia. People with low iron levels linked to anemia are more likely to develop RLS, and studies suggest RLS is related to a shortage of iron in certain parts of the brain (MedlinePlus Genetics). MedlinePlus names anemia as one condition that can cause RLS (MedlinePlus).
- Pregnancy. Women who are pregnant are more likely to develop RLS (MedlinePlus Genetics) (MedlinePlus).
- Other health conditions. End-stage renal disease (kidney failure), diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson's disease all increase the risk (MedlinePlus Genetics).
- Some medicines. Certain drugs used to treat nausea, depression and other mental health disorders, colds and allergies, heart problems and high blood pressure can trigger RLS (MedlinePlus Genetics). Some medicines can cause temporary RLS (MedlinePlus).
- Caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. These may make symptoms worse (MedlinePlus), and can also trigger RLS (MedlinePlus Genetics).
When RLS comes from anemia or pregnancy, it usually improves or goes away when iron levels rise or after the birth. When it comes from a medicine or substance, it usually improves or goes away once the person stops using it (MedlinePlus Genetics).
Early-onset and late-onset RLS
The early-onset form begins before age 45, sometimes in childhood, and usually worsens slowly. The late-onset form begins after age 45 and tends to worsen more quickly. The early-onset form is more likely to run in families and to have a genetic basis (MedlinePlus Genetics). Variations in known genes account for only a small share of the risk (MedlinePlus Genetics).
Leg movements during sleep
Most people with RLS also have periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), in which the legs twitch or jerk uncontrollably, usually during sleep (MedlinePlus). RLS and these movements can affect the quality and amount of sleep, which can lead to trouble concentrating during the day, and some people develop mood swings, depression or other health problems (MedlinePlus Genetics). See insomnia risk factors.
What helps
Lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep habits, relaxation techniques and moderate exercise during the day, can help. If those do not work, medicines may reduce the symptoms (MedlinePlus).
Common questions
Is restless legs syndrome genetic?
It often runs in families, and the early-onset form is more likely to have a genetic basis, but many genetic and environmental factors are involved and most are unknown (MedlinePlus Genetics).
Is restless legs syndrome linked to low iron?
Yes. People with low iron levels linked to anemia are more likely to develop RLS, and it usually improves when iron levels increase (MedlinePlus Genetics). See anemia risk factors.
Does restless legs syndrome go away after pregnancy?
When it is linked to pregnancy, it usually improves or goes away after the woman gives birth (MedlinePlus Genetics).
Sources
- MedlinePlus. Restless Legs. National Library of Medicine. Last updated December 9, 2025. Accessed November 9, 2026. medlineplus.gov/restlesslegs.html
- MedlinePlus Genetics, National Library of Medicine. Restless legs syndrome. Last updated May 1, 2018. medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/restless-legs-syndrome/
Written and maintained by the uncovermyrisk.com editorial team. We do not have a medical reviewer; every claim links to its primary source above. Last reviewed: 2026-11-09. Spotted an error? See About.