Restless Leg Syndrome
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
What is RLS?
Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological condition that causes a strong urge to move the legsoften in response to uncomfortable sensations like tingling, crawling, pulling, or aching. Symptoms typically:
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Worsen at night or during periods of rest
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Improve temporarily with movement
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Disrupt sleep and lead to daytime fatigue
What causes it?
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, RLS may be linked to:
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Dopamine dysregulation in the brain
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Low iron levels, particularly in the central nervous system
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Chronic conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or neuropathy
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Pregnancy, especially in the third trimester
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Certain medications (e.g. antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics)
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Stress, poor sleep, or lack of movement
A Neuroplasticity-Based Approach
Instead of focusing solely on medications, neuroplasticity-based care works by retraining the brain and nervous system to respond differently to sensations. This approach targets the underlying hypersensitivity and “misfiring” in the brain’s movement and sensory circuits.
Key neuroplasticity-informed strategies include:
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Somatic retraining: Gentle movements and awareness practices to calm overactive sensory pathways
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT-I): Helps reduce sleep-related anxiety and reframe the brain’s response to nighttime discomfort
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Graded sensory exposure: Gradually desensitizes the brain to leg sensations
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Breathwork and relaxation: Calms the nervous system and reduces dopamine-related fluctuations
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Movement retraining: Builds healthier movement patterns without reinforcing the compulsive urge to move
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Stress and sleep hygiene coaching: Teaches the brain safety and stability, which helps regulate symptoms long-term
Why neuroplasticity works
The brain is changeable—this is called neuroplasticity. By interrupting the cycle of discomfort → movement → short-term relief → more sensitivity, we help the brain build new, calmer patterns. Over time, this reduces symptom intensity and improves sleep without needing to rely heavily on medications.
When to seek care
If RLS is disrupting your sleep, affecting your mental health, or leading to excessive reliance on medications, it may be time to explore a neuroplasticity-based program. These treatments work best when guided by a specialist and paired with support, structure, and accountability.
