Most cases of restless leg syndrome have no known cause. However, researchers associate certain genetic variants with the condition. It may also occur due to a disruption of dopamine levels in the brain.

Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors may also contribute to restless legs syndrome. In these cases, treating the underlying condition or avoiding the trigger may help relieve a person’s symptoms.

If someone has symptoms of restless legs syndrome, such as discomfort in the lower limbs and an irresistible urge to move, they should speak with a doctor to learn the underlying cause.

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Restless legs syndrome may occur due to genetics and familial inheritance in 25% to 75%Trusted Source of cases.

However, a 2022 article suggests that the genetic variants researchers associate with restless legs syndrome only explain around 20% of the conditions’ heritability.

A 2024 meta-analysisTrusted Source suggests that although restless legs syndrome is more common in females, the genetic correlation between males and females was similar.

Ultimately, more large-scale genetic studies are necessary to fully understand the genetics involved in restless legs syndrome.

If someone has certain genes that researchers associate with restless legs syndrome, they typically have symptoms before the age of 40.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeTrusted Source, restless legs syndrome may occur due to dysfunctions in parts of the brain that affect dopamine levels.

A part of the brain called the basal ganglia uses dopamine to control movement and muscle activity. Changes to dopamine levels may affect this process, leading to involuntary movements.

Certain health conditions, such as iron deficiency anemia, can affect a person’s dopamine levels, which may lead to restless legs syndrome.

Dopamine levels also naturally get lower toward the end of the day. Therefore, the potential involvement of dopamine may explain why restless legs syndrome symptoms worsen toward the end of the day or at night.

Restless legs syndrome may affect around 1 in 3Trusted Source pregnant people. This may be due to factors such as:

Symptoms typically improve within a few weeks of childbirth.

Restless legs syndrome may also occur due to another health condition, such as:

It may also occurTrusted Source if someone has neuropathy (nerve damage) or certain sleep conditions, such as sleep apnea.

When restless legs syndrome is a complication of another health condition, healthcare professionals call it secondary restless legs syndrome.

Various lifestyle and health factors can trigger restless legs syndrome, including:

These triggers do not necessarily cause restless legs syndrome but may worsen a person’s symptoms.

People could speak with a healthcare professional if they experience symptoms of restless legs syndrome. This may include an irresistible urge to move the legs or discomfort in the legs that worsens at night.

There is no specific testTrusted Source to diagnose restless legs syndrome. However, a doctor can rule out other underlying health conditions that might cause a person’s symptoms. They may use blood tests and sleep tests to do this.

There is no cureTrusted Source for restless legs syndrome that does not have an underlying cause. However, certain medications and lifestyle changes may improve a person’s symptoms.

If restless legs syndrome is secondary to another health condition, treating the underlying health condition may improve a person’s symptoms.

Restless legs syndrome may occur due to a person’s genetics, dopamine levels, or an underlying health condition. This condition is more common in people who are pregnant.

Healthcare professionals are still researching the specific genetic variants that may be involved in restless legs syndrome.

People can speak with a healthcare professional if they have symptoms of restless legs syndrome. If there is an underlying cause, treating it may improve symptoms. Lifestyle changes and certain medications may also help.