Restless legs syndrome doesn't just affect adults. In the United States alone, RLS is believed to afflict an estimated 1.5 million children and adolescents. Although most research has focused on adults, RLS symptoms often begin during childhood or adolescence.

About 35% of patients report RLS onset before age 20, and one in 10 report that their symptoms appeared during the first decade of life.

RLS is a neurological condition with a genetic component and often runs in families.

Signs and Symptoms of RLS in Kids

Like adults, children with RLS tend to seek relief from their discomfort by moving their legs—often by fidgeting, stretching, walking, running, rocking or changing position in bed.

Parents or healthcare providers may mistakenly label the child’s discomfort as "growing pains." In the classroom setting, attempts to relieve the uncomfortable feelings of RLS may be interpreted as inattentiveness, hyperactivity or disruptive behavior. RLS, however, is a real medical condition that calls for proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment.

Sleep disturbance is a common problem with RLS. In children, sleep disturbance may overshadow the complaints of leg discomfort. The quality and quantity of a child’s sleep are often diminished, and this sleep deprivation can result in moodiness, irritability, inattentiveness, fatigue or hyperactivity. For more information, please refer to our Children and RLS Resources below. These materials are available in the Members Only section of our website. Log into the Member Portal or Become a Member to view.

In Their Words

How do children describe their RLS symptoms? The images below, from a Foundation-sponsored drawing contest, are powerful illustrations that demonstrate the difficulties and often desperate feelings that RLS symptoms present in childhood.

Please note: all pictures are copyrighted by the RLS Foundation. Please contact us for permission to use these photos.

Additional Resources