Restless Leg Syndrome in Children

Getting a good night’s sleep sets your child up for developmental, learning and social success. But restless leg syndrome (RLS) can make sleeping soundly through the night challenging.

Restless leg syndrome is a condition where children and adults have an uncontrollable urge to move their limbs at night. Children may experience strange sensations, including pain, burning or itching. They often feel so uncomfortable they need to move their legs to temporarily relieve their symptoms.

Maneka Kaul, MD, is a family medicine and sleep medicine expert with Franciscan Physician Network in Munster. She weighed in on what restless leg syndrome looks like in children and how parents can support kids who experience it.

Restless Leg Syndrome Triggers in Children

No specific triggers cause restless leg syndrome episodes in children. However, studies suggest that genetics play a role in many RLS cases. Some research has even identified genetic markers that may contribute to restless legs at night.

Over time, iron deficiency in the brain can also contribute to restless legs. Other medications, including antihistamines and anti-nausea drugs, also can lead to RLS.

Consuming caffeine (including soda, chocolate, coffee and tea) later in the day can contribute to restless legs at night.

Finally, stress can play a role in RLS and other sleeping issues like night terrors and sleepwalking.

Restless Leg Syndrome Symptoms In Children

Restless leg syndrome symptoms include uncomfortable sensations in the legs, resulting in the urge to move them during the night and affecting sleep. Some people with RLS also have difficulty falling asleep. Children may have a hard time describing these symptoms to their parents. But if you watch your child sleep, you may see their bodies are restless and moving around. During the day, your child might be irritable, have behavioral issues or have challenges focusing at home or school.

Restless leg syndrome affects about 2 to 4 percent of children and teens and about 5% of the U.S. population. RLS impacts more adolescents than younger children. However, the condition is often underreported because the symptoms can be vague.

“It can be hard for kids to explain what they are feeling and for parents to recognize what is happening,” said Dr. Kaul.

Diagnosing Restless Leg Syndrome In Children

Your child’s pediatrician will diagnose RLS with a health history and exam. Restless leg syndrome often does not require special testing. If your child’s care team is unsure, they will likely have your child participate in a sleep study to look for limb movement.

Treatment For Children With RLS

If your child’s pediatrician diagnoses your child with RLS, they will treat any underlying conditions, including iron deficiency, and modify their medications.

Parents can work with children to develop healthy sleep habits, including a regular bedtime routine and schedule. Further, you can limit your child’s caffeine intake late in the day.

If these treatments and tactics don’t work for your child, their physician may recommend medications that can reduce restless leg syndrome symptoms.

Good Sleep Is Important For Children

Children and adolescents need about 9-10 hours of rest every night. The different stages of sleep have specific benefits for kids. For example, deep sleep enables the production of growth hormones. And children and teens consolidate the day’s memories during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. On the other hand, a lack of sleep can lead to behavioral health concerns. In fact, roughly 46 percent of children with RLS also had behavioral problems, including ADHD.

“If your child is not sleeping well, it will affect their physical and mental growth,” said Dr. Kaul. “Make sure to support your child by helping them get the right amount of sleep for their particular age group. Sleep sets your child up for success and ensures proper growth, development, learning and social behavior.”