Stress and RLS

[Guitarist235]

I'm just wondering since RLS is caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, does stress and anxiety also have the same effect on dopamine and can therefore cause or worsen RLS?

[Madlegs1]

Definitely - yes.

[Joolsg]

Stress & anxiety definitely worsen/trigger RLS.

[Allyp69]

Interesting as iron deficiency seemed to start my RLS during pregnancy many years ago...but gentle iron etc hasn't really improved my condition. Pretty sure stress and anxiety play a big part now. I'm in my 70s and I know that sitting too much, watching TV etc are real triggers. Listening to any music on headphones is a huge help to me...never taken prescribed meds due to side effects.

[Moonwalker1967]

I am the same. Lived without a TV set for many years, listening to music and radio only. Any sensury overload is a big trigger. This had got worse over the years.

[Bananie123]

I do think stress and anxiety make rls worse. I lost my husband of 45 yrs just before Christmas 2022 and my rls is definitely worse, especially at night.I take 1200mg of gabapentin for it, split into 3 doses as I have rls through the day and often now have to take another 300mg in the early hrs of the morning. I put this down to the stress and anxiety following my husbands death. The 1200mg dose - 300mg morning, 300 mg late afternoon and 6oomg an hr before bedtime worked very well for 10 yrs. Not now! I'm still within the gabapentin limit, but hoping as things settle down in my new 'norm', the anxiety might lesson and so will the rls.

[Virginic in reply to Bananie123]

Condolences to you. And very best wishes for the future.

[Eryl]

RLS is not caused by a lack of dopamine in most cases but inflammation of the nerves. The nervous system is working correctly, it's just getting abnormal stimulus from the hypersensitive inflamed nerves.

[grassgree in reply to Eryl]

Insufficient dopamine in the substantia nigra area of the brain is a proven and documented cause of RLS.

[Eryl in reply to grassgree]

It may be one cause but in my opinion is not the most common cause. If it was that easy we would have a cure for RLS.

[Simkin]

My RLS started when I was pregnant (a known starter for RLS) and I am now in my 70s.I find it was just as bad when I am relaxed as when I am stressed. But everyone of course is different.