Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sleep-related condition that causes an uncomfortable urge to move your legs, especially in the evening or at night when you’re resting or trying to sleep. For many people in Grand Rapids, these sensations can seriously disrupt sleep and lead to daytime fatigue.

People often describe RLS sensations as:

  • Creeping or crawling under the skin
  • Tingling, pulling, or aching
  • Cramp-like discomfort or soreness
  • “Electric shocks” or shooting sensations
  • Feeling like insects are squirming inside the legs

Moving the legs—standing up, walking around, stretching, or doing light exercise—usually brings temporary relief, but the symptoms often return when you sit or lie down again.

How Common Is RLS in Grand Rapids?

RLS affects an estimated 5 out of every 100 people at some point in their lives. In the Grand Rapids metro area, that means thousands of residents may be living with RLS symptoms, whether or not they’ve been formally diagnosed.

Key points about how RLS presents:

  • It usually affects both legs, but some people feel symptoms in only one leg.
  • Symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and nightly.
  • In severe cases, people may be unable to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to chronic sleep deprivation.
  • Symptoms are typically worse in the evening and at night, which is especially challenging during our long, dark West Michigan winters.

Because Grand Rapids residents experience long, cold winters, people tend to sit more, stay indoors, and get less physical activity—factors that can make RLS symptoms more noticeable.

RLS and Pregnancy

RLS is relatively common in pregnancy and can be especially frustrating for expectant mothers in Grand Rapids who already may be dealing with sleep disruption.

  • Pregnancy is a known risk factor for RLS.
  • Symptoms often appear in the second or third trimester.
  • Many pregnant women improve after delivery, but some may continue to have symptoms.

If you’re pregnant and experiencing RLS symptoms in Grand Rapids, talk with your OB/GYN or a provider at local health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health. They can help rule out iron deficiency and discuss safe symptom management options during pregnancy.

Symptoms: Mild, Moderate, or Severe

RLS symptoms can vary widely from person to person:

Mild RLS

  • Occasional symptoms
  • Mild discomfort
  • Sleep is usually only slightly affected

Moderate RLS

  • Symptoms several nights a week
  • Noticeable impact on sleep quality
  • Daytime tiredness and irritability

Severe RLS

  • Nightly or near-nightly symptoms
  • Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
  • Significant daytime fatigue, trouble focusing, and mood changes

In Grand Rapids, where many people work early shifts in manufacturing, healthcare, and education, poor sleep from RLS can affect job performance and safety.

What Causes Restless Legs Syndrome?

The Exact Cause Is Still Unknown

No single cause has been identified for RLS. It is considered a disorder of the nervous system, and research suggests a problem in how the brain uses dopamine—a chemical that helps control muscle movement.

Even though RLS is thought to involve the brain’s motor system and dopamine pathways, imaging and nerve tests often appear normal. That means RLS is diagnosed mainly based on symptoms, not on a specific test.

RLS often runs in families. If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have a parent or close relative with RLS, your risk is higher. Many people report that symptoms started in childhood or young adulthood, but they may not have been recognized as RLS at the time.

Iron Deficiency: The Most Important Risk Factor

Iron deficiency is one of the most important and treatable risk factors for RLS.

People with low iron levels—even if they are not anemic—are more likely to develop RLS or have worse symptoms. This is especially relevant in Michigan, where dietary patterns and certain chronic conditions can increase the risk of iron deficiency.

Common causes of iron deficiency include:

  • Heavy menstrual periods
  • Pregnancy
  • Gastrointestinal blood loss (ulcers, colon polyps, colon cancer)
  • Poor dietary intake or absorption of iron

If your doctor suspects RLS, they will usually order blood tests to check your iron levels. In some cases, especially when oral iron pills don’t work or can’t be tolerated, an intravenous (IV) iron infusion may be recommended. These infusions are available at major Grand Rapids health systems such as Spectrum Health and Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Who Is at Higher Risk for RLS in Grand Rapids?

RLS can affect people of any age, including children, but certain groups are more likely to develop it:

  • Middle-aged and older adults
  • Pregnant women
  • People with iron deficiency or anemia
  • People with chronic kidney (renal) failure
  • People taking certain antidepressant medications
  • Individuals with a family history of RLS
  • People with other sleep disorders, especially periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)

Chronic conditions common in Michigan—such as diabetes, obesity, and kidney disease—can also increase the risk of RLS or make symptoms worse.

Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) is another sleep-related movement disorder that often occurs with RLS.

What Is PLMD?

PLMD involves repetitive, uncontrollable jerking or twitching of the legs (and sometimes arms) during sleep. These movements:

  • Usually occur every 20–40 seconds
  • Can be strong enough to wake you or your bed partner
  • May cause lighter, less restful sleep—even if you don’t fully wake up

Most people with RLS also have PLMD, but you can have PLMD without having RLS symptoms while awake.

Symptoms of PLMD

  • Repeated leg jerks during sleep
  • Restless or disrupted sleep
  • Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, or trouble concentrating
  • A bed partner reporting frequent leg kicks during the night

The exact cause of PLMD is unknown, but it is strongly associated with:

  • Restless legs syndrome
  • Iron deficiency
  • Certain medications
  • Other sleep disorders

If your bed partner in Grand Rapids notices frequent leg movements while you sleep, it may be worth discussing PLMD with a sleep specialist at a local sleep center (for example, at Spectrum Health or Metro Health).

Conditions That Can Mimic or Worsen RLS

Several medical conditions and lifestyle factors can cause similar symptoms or make RLS worse:

  • Diabetes – nerve damage (neuropathy) can cause burning, tingling, or pain in the legs
  • Iron deficiency anemia – strongly linked to RLS
  • Alcoholism or heavy alcohol use – can damage nerves and disturb sleep
  • Some forms of arthritis – joint pain and stiffness may be confused with RLS
  • Sleep deprivation – not getting enough sleep can intensify RLS symptoms
  • Certain medications – especially some antidepressants and antihistamines

In Grand Rapids, where long winter nights and shorter daylight hours can already impact mood and sleep, these conditions can compound RLS symptoms.

How RLS Affects Sleep and Daily Life

Sleep deprivation is one of the most common and disruptive effects of RLS. Many people:

  • Need to get out of bed and walk around multiple times a night
  • Have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Wake up feeling unrefreshed, even after a full night in bed

Over time, chronic poor sleep can lead to:

  • Daytime fatigue and low energy
  • Irritability and mood changes
  • Difficulty concentrating at work or school
  • Increased risk of accidents, especially when driving or operating machinery

For residents of Grand Rapids who commute in winter weather or work in physically demanding jobs, untreated RLS and poor sleep can have serious safety implications.

Diagnosing RLS and PLMD in Grand Rapids

Diagnosis Is Based on Symptoms

There is no single lab test or scan that confirms RLS. Instead, healthcare providers diagnose RLS based on:

  • A strong urge to move the legs, usually with uncomfortable sensations
  • Symptoms that start or worsen during rest or inactivity
  • Symptoms that improve with movement
  • Symptoms that are worse in the evening or at night
  • No other medical condition fully explaining the symptoms

For PLMD, a sleep study (polysomnography) at a sleep center is often needed to record leg movements during sleep.

Local Diagnostic Resources

In Grand Rapids, you can be evaluated for RLS or PLMD through:

  • Primary care providers and internal medicine clinics
  • Neurology clinics at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Sleep centers and sleep medicine specialists throughout Kent County

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can also help connect you with local clinics and affordable care options if you are uninsured or underinsured.

Treatment Options for Restless Legs Syndrome

Because the exact cause of RLS is unknown, treatments focus on relieving symptoms and treating any underlying conditions. Management is highly individualized.

1. Lifestyle Changes and Home Strategies

Many people in Grand Rapids can reduce RLS symptoms with simple lifestyle adjustments:

  • Limit caffeine – reduce or avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas, especially in the afternoon and evening.
  • Avoid alcohol and nicotine – both can aggravate RLS and disrupt sleep.
  • Keep a regular sleep schedule – aim for consistent bed and wake times, even on weekends.
  • Stay active – regular, moderate exercise (like walking, swimming, or indoor workouts during winter) can help, but avoid intense exercise right before bed.
  • Stretching and massage – gentle leg stretches or massage before bed can ease discomfort.
  • Warm or cool packs – some people find relief with warm baths, heating pads, or cold packs on the legs.
  • Create a sleep-friendly environment – keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, which is especially helpful during humid West Michigan summers.

2. Treat Underlying Conditions

Addressing underlying health issues can significantly improve RLS:

  • Correct iron deficiency – through diet changes, iron supplements, or IV iron infusions when needed.
  • Manage diabetes – good blood sugar control can reduce nerve-related symptoms.
  • Address kidney disease – close management with a nephrologist can help.
  • Review medications – your doctor may adjust or change medicines that worsen RLS, such as certain antidepressants or antihistamines.

3. Medications for RLS

For moderate to severe RLS that does not improve with lifestyle changes alone, doctors may prescribe medications, including:

  • Dopamine agonists (commonly used for Parkinson’s disease) – help regulate dopamine and reduce leg sensations and movements.
  • Certain anti-epileptic (anti-seizure) medications – can reduce nerve-related discomfort.
  • Benzodiazepines – may improve sleep quality, though they do not directly treat the leg sensations.
  • Opioid medications (such as low-dose morphine) – reserved for severe, treatment-resistant cases due to risk of dependence and side effects.

These medications should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider familiar with RLS, such as a neurologist or sleep specialist in Grand Rapids.

Living With RLS in Grand Rapids: Practical Tips

  • Plan for winter – cold weather and long nights can make symptoms feel worse. Indoor walking at local malls or community centers, stretching routines, and home exercise equipment can help maintain activity.
  • Use local resources – Grand Rapids has multiple health systems and clinics offering neurology and sleep medicine services.
  • Track your symptoms – keep a sleep and symptom diary to share with your provider. Note what you eat, drink (especially caffeine and alcohol), medications, and your activity level.
  • Support and education – national organizations like the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation provide education and support; local support groups may be available through area hospitals.

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

You should make an appointment with a healthcare provider if:

  • You have frequent or worsening leg discomfort in the evenings or at night
  • You feel a strong urge to move your legs that interferes with rest
  • Your sleep is regularly disrupted, and you feel tired during the day
  • You are pregnant and having leg discomfort or sleep problems
  • Your bed partner notices frequent leg jerks during your sleep

Start with your primary care provider or family doctor. They can perform an initial evaluation, order lab tests (including iron studies), and refer you to a neurologist or sleep specialist at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health if needed.

The Kent County Health Department and local community clinics can help you find low-cost or sliding-scale services if you don’t have regular access to care.

Key Points About Restless Legs Syndrome

  • RLS is a neurological condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, especially at night.
  • It is relatively common in pregnancy and can affect children, adults, and older adults in Grand Rapids.
  • Usually both legs are affected, but some people experience symptoms in only one leg.
  • Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe and often interfere with sleep.
  • The exact cause is unknown, but there is a strong genetic link and a clear association with iron deficiency.
  • Iron deficiency is the most important modifiable risk factor and should be checked and treated.
  • Treatment focuses on symptom relief, correcting underlying problems (like iron deficiency, diabetes, or kidney disease), improving sleep habits, and, when needed, using medications.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and suspect you have restless legs syndrome or periodic limb movement disorder, talk with a local healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve your sleep and quality of life.