What are the underlying causes of restless leg syndrome?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is primarily caused by two key factors: how the brain uses iron and how it processes dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates movement. When iron levels in the brain are low or dopamine signaling is disrupted, the nervous system can misfire, triggering the uncomfortable urge to move the legs that defines RLS.

Because RLS symptoms often overlap with other conditions—like nerve issues, circulation problems, or sleep disorders—it's important to identify what's actually driving your discomfort before choosing a treatment path. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down possible causes based on your specific symptoms and guide your next steps, whether that's a conversation with your doctor or lifestyle adjustments. Taking a few minutes now could save you weeks of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing restless leg syndrome See if your leg symptoms need care Discover if it could be restless leg syndrome Find OTC relief for restless legs Find a doctor for restless leg syndrome Discover home remedies for restless legs Understand if restless legs need urgent care

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Explanation

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that makes people feel like they have to move their legs, especially at night. The exact causes of RLS are not fully understood, but several factors are believed to play a role.

Main Causes:

Iron Deficiency:

One major cause is low levels of iron in the brain. Iron is important because it helps the brain use dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement.

Dopamine Dysfunction:

Dopamine is a messenger in the brain that helps with movement. In RLS, the way dopamine works may be disprupted.

Genetics:

RLS can run in families, which means genes might be involved. Some people are more likely to get RLS because of their family history.

Other Factors:

Other things like pregnancy, kidney problems, or certain medications can also make RLS worse.

Understanding these causes can help in managing RLS better. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and determine if you should seek medical care.

(References)

Trenkwalder C, & Paulus W. (2010). Restless legs syndrome: pathophysiology, clinical .... Nature reviews. Neurology, 20531433.
Gossard TR, Trotti LM, Videnovic A, & St Louis EK. (2021). Restless Legs Syndrome: Contemporary Diagnosis and .... Neurotherapeutics : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics, 33880737.
Satija P, & Ondo WG. (2008). Restless legs syndrome: pathophysiology, diagnosis and .... CNS drugs, 18484792.

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