Restless Legs Syndrome: What Causes It and How an RLS Specialist in Houston

CSMA Team
6 days ago
3 min read

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood sleep-related conditions. Many patients describe it as an urge to move their legs at night, while others feel tingling, pulling, or electric sensations. Whatever the symptom, RLS can severely disrupt your sleep and quality of life.

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At Comprehensive Sleep Medicine Associates (CSMA), we diagnose and treat RLS using advanced neurological evaluation and personalized care plans.

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?

RLS is a neurological condition in which the brain sends abnormal signals to the legs (or sometimes the arms), causing discomfort and an uncontrollable urge to move.

Symptoms typically worsen at night or when you're lying still, making sleep extremely difficult.

Common Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

Why symptoms and severity may differ between patients, you may have RLS if you experience when trying to sleep or rest:

Crawling or tingling sensations in your legs
Throbbing or pulling feelings in your legs
Itching or burning feelings in your legs
A need to move your legs
Sleep disruption due to leg discomfort
Relief when walking or stretching

These sensations can range from mild to severe and can occur nightly or occasionally.

What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?

Restless Legs Syndrome isn’t caused by just one thing — it’s more like a perfect storm of neurological, genetic, and lifestyle factors coming together. While every patient’s experience is unique, research points to several well-established contributors:

Genetic Predisposition: Many patients discover they’re not the first in their family to struggle with RLS. Studies show that genetics play a strong role, especially when symptoms begin earlier in life. If a parent or sibling has RLS, your likelihood of developing it increases significantly.
Iron Deficiency: Low iron levels in the brain can disrupt dopamine production — a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Even if your blood tests show “normal” iron, your brain iron levels may still be low, which is why a thorough evaluation is essential.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions that affect nerve function, such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord disorders, or Parkinson’s disease, can increase the risk of RLS. In these cases, RLS may be a secondary condition linked to underlying neurological changes.
Pregnancy: Hormonal shifts during pregnancy — especially in the third trimester — can temporarily trigger or worsen RLS. The good news? For most patients, symptoms improve or disappear after childbirth. Still, pregnant patients experiencing sleep disruption deserve support and relief.
Medications: Certain medications are notorious for aggravating RLS symptoms. These include some antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-nausea medications, and even certain cold remedies. If symptoms began after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing alternatives with your provider.
Other Potential Contributors
- Chronic medical conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or thyroid disorders
- Sleep deprivation, which can intensify symptoms
- Lifestyle factors, including caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol use

RLS is highly treatable — but the key is identifying the right cause or combination of causes.

Why a Sleep Specialist Matters

RLS often co-exists with other sleep disorders, especially periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) or sleep apnea. A sleep clinic without neurological expertise may treat only the symptoms—not the root cause.

At CSMA, our team evaluates:

Iron levels
Neurological activity
Movement patterns during sleep
Breathing irregularities
Medication history

This comprehensive assessment ensures that nothing is overlooked and you'll be treated for the root cause and not simply just a symptom.

Treatment Options for Restless Legs Syndrome

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

Iron supplementation
Medication to regulate dopamine
Treatment of underlying sleep apnea
Stretching or lifestyle modifications
Adjusting current medications
Relaxation or heat therapy

Most patients experience significant improvement once the underlying cause is identified.

Find Relief for Restless Legs Syndrome in Houston

If you’re tired of restless nights and constant discomfort, the specialists at CSMA can help. Our Houston and Austin locations provide advanced neurological and sleep testing to uncover the root cause of your symptoms.