Sometimes occur during the day. Start or get worse when you lie down or sit for long periods of time. May last for 1 hour or longer. Sometimes also occur in the upper legs, feet, or arms.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), or Willis-Ekbom Disease, varies significantly between individuals, but symptoms typically follow a circadian rhythm, peaking in the evening and during the night. For many sufferers, an RLS "episode" can last for one to several hours as they try to fall asleep. The sensation—often described as creeping, crawling, or pulling—triggers an irresistible urge to move, which provides only temporary relief. In severe cases, these sensations can persist throughout the entire night, leading to significant sleep deprivation and daytime exhaustion. A grounded reality of the condition is that it is often intermittent; it may disappear for weeks and then flare up for several nights in a row. Supportive strategies in 2026 include moderate exercise, leg massages, and avoiding triggers like caffeine or certain medications. If your RLS lasts for several hours most nights, it is a supportive recommendation to consult a doctor to check for underlying issues like iron deficiency or peripheral neuropathy, as targeted treatments can significantly reduce the duration and intensity of these "restless" hours.