Restless legs syndrome

By Mayo Clinic Staff
June 30, 2026

Research

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists) and others study genetic and environmental factors that can lead to restless legs syndrome. They also seek new treatments for the condition. Learn more on the neurology research and Center for Sleep Medicine websites.

Publications

See a list of publications about restless legs syndrome by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

  1. Restless legs syndrome. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Restless-Legs-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Accessed Sept. 14, 2025.
  2. Ondo WG. Clinical features and diagnosis of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 14, 2025.
  3. Silber MH. Management of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Sept. 14, 2025.
  4. Winkelman JW, et al. Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine systematic review, meta-analysis, and GRADE assessment. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2025; doi:10.5664/jcsm.11392.
  5. Gossard TR, et al. Restless legs syndrome: Contemporary diagnosis and treatment. Neurotherapeutics. 2021; doi:10.1007/s13311-021-01019-4.
  6. Allen RP, et al. Restless legs syndrome/Willis-Ekbom disease diagnostic criteria: Updated International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus criteria — history, rationale, description, and significance. Sleep Medicine. 2014; doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2014.03.025.
  7. Xu Y, et al. Unraveling restless legs syndrome: A comprehensive review of current research and future directions. International Journal of General Medicine. 2025; doi:10.2147/IJGM.S544680.
  8. Ferri FF. Restless legs syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2026. Elsevier; 2026. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 14, 2025.
  9. Ami TR. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Nov. 14, 2023.
  10. Song P, et al. The global and regional prevalence of restless legs syndrome among adults: A systematic review and modelling analysis. Journal of Global Health. 2024; doi:10.7189/jogh.14.04113.
  11. Winkelman JW, et al. Treatment of restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. 2025; doi:10.5664/jcsm.11390.
  12. Sleep center directory. American Academy of Sleep Medicine. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center. Accessed Sept. 22, 2025.
  13. Kellerman RD, et al. Sleep disorders. In: Conn's Current Therapy 2025. Elsevier; 2025. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Sept. 14, 2025.
  14. Silber MH, et al. The management of restless legs syndrome: An updated algorithm. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.12.026.