Many patients come into my St. Louis office describing a frustrating problem: just as they try to fall asleep, their legs begin to twitch, jerk, or feel restless. This can make it difficult to get a full night’s sleep, leaving them exhausted the next day. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do my legs keep moving at night?”, you’re not alone. Several conditions and factors can contribute to this symptom, and understanding the cause is the first step toward relief.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we take a whole-body approach to sleep-related leg issues, looking at circulation, nutrition, neurological health, and lifestyle.

Common Causes of Nighttime Leg Movement

1. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

One of the most common causes of nighttime leg movement is restless legs syndrome. RLS is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs—often described as tingling, crawling, or aching—that create an irresistible urge to move. Symptoms usually worsen in the evening and at night, when the body is at rest.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Low iron levels or poor iron metabolism
• Dopamine imbalances in the brain
• Family history of RLS
• Chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes

2. Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)

Unlike RLS, which is based on an urge to move, PLMD involves repetitive, involuntary leg jerks or twitches that occur during sleep. Patients are often unaware of the movements, but their bed partner may notice. PLMD can disrupt sleep quality and lead to daytime fatigue.

3. Poor Circulation and Venous Disease

Circulation issues in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins, can contribute to nighttime restlessness. When blood flow is sluggish, legs may feel heavy, achy, or uncomfortable at night. This discomfort can trigger the urge to move or reposition frequently. At our clinic, we evaluate patients with advanced vein testing and treatments to address circulation problems that may be linked to restless legs.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Magnesium, iron, and vitamin D deficiencies are often overlooked causes of leg restlessness. Magnesium, in particular, plays a crucial role in muscle relaxation. Low levels can cause cramping, twitching, or restless sensations at night. We often run nutrient panels through our functional medicine program to detect and correct these imbalances.

5. Medications

Certain medications—such as antidepressants, antihistamines, or antipsychotics—may contribute to leg movement at night. Adjusting medication with your healthcare provider’s guidance may improve symptoms.

6. Other Contributing Factors

• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased pressure on circulation often worsen RLS symptoms in expectant mothers.
• Sleep Apnea: Disrupted breathing during sleep can be linked to periodic limb movements.
• Stress and Anxiety: High stress levels may make restless legs symptoms more noticeable at night.

How Nighttime Leg Movement Affects Health

Constant leg movements can make it hard to get restorative sleep. Over time, this can lead to:

• Daytime fatigue and poor concentration
• Mood changes, including irritability or depression
• Worsening of chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

Addressing nighttime leg movement is about more than just comfort—it’s about protecting overall health.

Treatment Options for Nighttime Leg Movement

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we tailor treatment based on the root cause of each patient’s symptoms. Options may include:

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Stretching, warm baths, and limiting caffeine can help reduce RLS symptoms.
• Nutrient Support: Correcting iron, magnesium, or vitamin D deficiencies through supplements or diet.
• Improving Circulation: Treatments for venous insufficiency, including laser therapy, sclerotherapy, or lifestyle changes, often relieve nighttime discomfort.
• Functional Medicine Approach: Addressing hormone balance, inflammation, and underlying metabolic issues.
• Advanced Therapies: Red light therapy and PEMF may support circulation and reduce inflammation in the legs.

When to Seek Medical Help

If your legs keep moving at night on a regular basis and you struggle with poor sleep or fatigue, it’s time for an evaluation. Some red flags to watch for include:

• Sudden worsening of symptoms
• Severe leg pain or swelling
• Symptoms that disrupt daily functioning
• Restlessness combined with numbness or weakness

These may indicate underlying conditions that need prompt treatment.

Final Thoughts

Nighttime leg movement can be frustrating, but it’s often a sign that something deeper is going on—whether that’s restless legs syndrome, circulation problems, or nutrient deficiencies. With the right evaluation and treatment, most patients find relief and finally enjoy a good night’s sleep.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we combine vein care, functional medicine, and regenerative therapies to treat the root causes of restless legs. If your legs won’t stop moving at night, we’re here to help you find lasting solutions.

👉 Call our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better sleep and healthier legs.

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