Home Conditions Restless legs syndrome
Condition
Restless legs syndrome: diagnosis and treatment
An irresistible urge to move, worst at night, just when you need to rest. This is a real, recognised neurological condition, and there is a great deal that can be done.
What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Restless legs syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs, usually with uncomfortable sensations deep in the limbs. These occur at rest, typically in the evening and at night, and ease for a while with movement.
Many people lie awake for hours. Over time, lost sleep and nightly discomfort can take a serious toll on mood, concentration and quality of life.
When Should You Get Urgent Help?
| What you notice | What to do |
|---|---|
| Sudden weakness or numbness in a leg | Call 999 |
| Thoughts of harming yourself | Call 999, or NHS 111 and choose the mental health option |
| Symptoms worse after a new medicine | Speak to your GP or pharmacist promptly |
Symptoms
- Crawling, pulling, aching, throbbing or itching sensations
- Symptoms that begin or worsen at rest
- Relief when you walk or stretch
- Symptoms that are worse in the evening and at night
What Causes It?
Restless legs can be genetic or have no clear cause. It can also be triggered or worsened by:
- Iron deficiency, even without anaemia
- Pregnancy
- Kidney disease
- Certain medicines, including some antidepressants and antihistamines
- Peripheral neuropathy
A careful assessment, including targeted blood tests, helps to identify any treatable cause.
Treatment Options
Treating the cause
Where an underlying cause is found, addressing it is always the priority. Iron replacement can help when iron levels are low.
Lifestyle changes
Guidance on sleep, exercise, caffeine and medicines that may trigger symptoms.
Medicines, where appropriate
Some medicines need careful starting and monitoring. I will explain the options and their risks, including augmentation, where long-term treatment can make symptoms worse.
“When someone finally hears ‘yes, this is real, this has a name, and here is what we can do’, the relief is often palpable.”
Dr Allie Hare
At a glance
Helps with
Urge to move the legs, with discomfort at rest and at night
How it works
History, examination and targeted blood tests
Who you will see
Dr Allie Hare, consultant physician
Where
Online across the UK, or in London
Fees
New £300, follow-up £250
How to book
Online form, phone or email
Book a consultation
New consultation £300. Follow-up £250. Online or in London.
Dr Allie Hare
GMC 6055783
President of the British Sleep Society and Clinical Lead for Sleep Medicine at the Royal Brompton Hospital.
Where
Where I see patients with restless legs
| Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Online | Secure video, across the UK |
| Wimpole Street Consulting Rooms | 77–79 Wimpole Street, London W1G 9RU |
| Cromwell Hospital | 164–178 Cromwell Road, London SW5 0TU |
| Royal Brompton Private Consulting Rooms | Sydney Street, London SW3 6NP |
Fees
Fees and insurance
| Appointment | Fee |
|---|---|
| New consultation | £300 |
| Follow-up | £250 |
Tests are quoted before they are arranged. Most major UK insurers are recognised.
FAQs
Restless legs questions
Is restless legs a real condition?
Yes. It is a recognised neurological condition, not “just stress”.
Will I need blood tests?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Can I be seen online?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Does it get worse in pregnancy?
Answer to follow: awaiting client copy.
Online or in person
Better nights start with a proper assessment.
New consultation £300. Follow-up £250. Self-pay and insured patients welcome.
Request an appointment
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