What triggers restless leg syndrome?

Introduction: Why Restless Leg Syndrome Needs a New Approach

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) affects 10% of Americans, yet most are told to “just live with it.” At Patients Medical in NYC, we uncover the hidden triggers behind your symptoms—from nutrient deficiencies to nervous system imbalances—and create personalized plans to calm your legs and restore deep sleep.

We treat the whole nervous system, not just your symptoms.

What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
RLS is a neurological sensorimotor disorder characterized by:

  • Urges to move legs (often with crawling/tingling sensations)
  • Worsening at night or during rest
  • Temporary relief with movement

Types of RLS:

  • Primary RLS: Often genetic, with no underlying condition.
  • Secondary RLS: Linked to iron deficiency, pregnancy, kidney disease, or neuropathy.

Common Symptoms of RLS

Root Causes: What Triggers Restless Leg Syndrome?

Functional medicine identifies why your nervous system misfires:

  • Iron Deficiency: Low ferritin (even without anemia) disrupts dopamine production.
  • Dopamine Imbalance: This neurotransmitter regulates muscle movements.
  • Magnesium/Electrolyte Deficiencies: Affect nerve signaling.
  • Gut-Brain Axis Dysfunction: Leaky gut triggers systemic inflammation.
  • Toxin Overload: Heavy metals (lead, mercury) impair nerve function.
  • Chronic Stress: Depletes calming neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin).

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

We use cutting-edge labs to pinpoint your RLS triggers:

Ferritin & Iron Studies (optimal ferritin >75 ng/mL for RLS)

Dopamine & Neurotransmitter Testing

Magnesium RBC & Electrolyte Panels

Heavy Metal Toxicity Screening

Gut Health Analysis (stool microbiome, zonulin for leaky gut)

Sleep Study (to rule out PLMD or sleep apnea)

Integrative Treatments for RLS

Nutritional Therapy

We tailor your diet and supplementation plan to support nerve health and neurotransmitter balance. This may include:

  • Iron-rich, anti-inflammatory meals
  • Gluten- and dairy-free protocols (for gut repair)
  • Elimination diets to identify food sensitivities
  • High-magnesium foods and electrolyte balancing

Targeted Supplementation

Based on lab results, we may prescribe:

  • Iron (only if ferritin is low)
  • Magnesium glycinate
  • Vitamin B12 (methylated form)
  • Folate and B-complex
  • CoQ10 and omega-3s
  • Adaptogens for stress regulation

IV Nutrient Therapy

We deliver essential nutrients intravenously to bypass gut absorption issues. Common RLS IVs include:

  • Magnesium
  • B vitamins
  • Alpha-lipoic acid
  • Glutathione

Detoxification Support

For patients with high toxic load, we create detox protocols to eliminate mold, heavy metals, and pesticides using:

  • Binders (charcoal, zeolite, chlorella)
  • Infrared sauna
  • Liver-supportive herbs (milk thistle, dandelion)

Gut Repair Programs

We address underlying GI imbalances that affect nutrient absorption and inflammation using:

  • Probiotics
  • Digestive enzymes

Gut-healing herbs (slippery elm, marshmallow root)

Stress & Sleep Optimization

We integrate relaxation practices to regulate the nervous system:

  • Acupuncture
  • Meditation & breathwork
  • Natural sleep aids (melatonin, GABA, L-theanine)
  • Sleep hygiene coaching

Real Case Study: John’s Return to Restful Sleep

John, 48, came to us with nightly leg twitching, poor sleep, and irritability that had plagued him for over 3 years. He’d tried gabapentin and sleep meds with little relief.

Advanced testing showed:

  • Ferritin level of 38
  • Low magnesium and B12
  • High mercury levels
  • Evidence of leaky gut

We designed a 4-month integrative plan that included:

  • Iron and magnesium supplementation
  • Weekly IV therapy
  • Gut repair protocol
  • Detoxification and sauna therapy
  • Gentle yoga and breathwork for sleep regulation

By month 4, John reported sleeping through the night without leg sensations—and had discontinued all prescription medications.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

 It can be greatly improved or fully resolved when the underlying triggers—like nutrient deficiencies or toxin overload—are treated.

 Low iron (especially ferritin), magnesium, and B12 are the most common.

 No. Many patients improve through nutrition, supplements, detox, and nervous system regulation.

 Yes. Chronic stress elevates cortisol and disrupts sleep, both of which can worsen RLS.

 We’ve helped chronic cases improve significantly—even after years of symptoms.

We offer iron panels, nutrient testing, hormone evaluations, heavy metal tests, and gut health analysis.

Absolutely. Pro-inflammatory foods and poor nutrient absorption can aggravate RLS.

 Both can worsen RLS symptoms, especially when consumed at night.

 In part. RLS disturbs sleep—but poor sleep also makes RLS worse. We address both.

 We are out-of-network but provide superbills for reimbursement. Some labs may be covered.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

Make an Appointment