Conditions We Treat » Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs Syndrome
That irresistible urge to move your legs at night, the crawling sensations, the sleep you cannot get. Iron deficiency is one of the most common and reversible causes of RLS.
25%
Of RLS cases are directly associated with iron deficiency
75
Micrograms/L, target ferritin level for RLS treatment
RCT
Evidence supports IV iron significantly reducing RLS symptoms
Why iron matters for RLS
The connection between iron and restless legs
Restless legs syndrome is a neurological condition, but its link to iron deficiency is well established in the medical literature. Iron plays a critical role in the production of dopamine in the brain. When brain iron levels are low, dopamine pathways are disrupted, and this is thought to trigger the characteristic sensations of RLS.
The key point is that it is brain iron that matters here, not simply blood iron. This is why oral iron tablets often fail to provide adequate relief, as they raise blood iron levels, but the transfer of iron across the blood-brain barrier requires higher circulating levels than oral iron typically achieves.
IV iron raises circulating iron levels significantly higher and more rapidly. Clinical trials have shown meaningful reductions in RLS symptom severity following IV iron infusion, with effects that persist for months after a single treatment.
What RLS feels like
Recognising the symptoms
RLS is characterised by four core features. If these feel familiar, and particularly if they are associated with low iron levels, IV iron may help significantly.
Urge to move the legs
An irresistible compulsion to move, typically when at rest or trying to sleep. Moving provides temporary relief.
Worse at rest
Symptoms that begin or worsen when sitting or lying down, particularly in the evening or at night.
Crawling or tingling sensations
Uncomfortable sensations deep in the legs. Often described as crawling, pulling, itching, or electric.
Disrupted sleep
Difficulty falling or staying asleep because of the need to move. Chronic sleep deprivation as a result.
Who qualifies
Are you eligible?
The threshold for treating iron deficiency in RLS is lower than for standard iron deficiency anaemia, because the neurological impact occurs at higher ferritin levels. We will assess your full picture at consultation.
01
Confirmed diagnosis of restless legs syndrome
A clinical diagnosis of RLS, ideally with a medical history confirming the four core diagnostic criteria.
02
Serum ferritin below 75 micrograms/L
NICE and Sleep Medicine guidelines recommend targeting ferritin above 75 mcg/L in RLS patients, a higher threshold than for standard anaemia treatment.
03
Symptoms causing significant sleep disruption or distress
Severity matters. If your RLS is meaningfully affecting your sleep, quality of life, or mental wellbeing, treatment is appropriate.
04
Oral iron not raising ferritin adequately
If oral iron has not been able to raise your ferritin to the target level, IV iron is the appropriate and clinically supported next step.
Not sleeping?
It may be your iron.
Book a consultation and we will check whether iron deficiency is contributing to your restless legs.
Or email hello@londonironinfusionclinic.co.uk