When restlessness significantly impacts your life and disrupts sleep, you should call your healthcare provider.
This article provides a quick overview of the signs of restlessness as well as its causes.
It also discusses treatments for this condition and when you should get medical help.
AndreyPopov/Getty Images
Treatments can help, so call your healthcare provider if youre experiencing these symptoms.
Periods of agitation and nervousness are also associated withattention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
What Medications Can Cause Restlessness?
Restlessness, agitation, and related symptoms can also be a side effect of medicationsa condition calledakathisia.
Antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia and dementia can contribute to the development of this condition.
Be sure to let your healthcare provider know if youre experiencing restlessness or other issues while taking these drugs.
Withdrawal and Restlessness
Restlessness is a common symptom ofwithdrawalfrom alcohol dependency or certain recreational drugs.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Restlessness?
They range from taking medication or discontinuing others to taking part in therapy, among other approaches.
Among these are:
Lifestyle Changes
Adopting certain strategies can help ease the burden and prevent restlessness.
Youre also prone to depression and anxiety and are more likely to get into accidents driving.
Summary
Periods of restlessness and agitation are common symptoms of many conditions.
Alongside your healthcare providers directions, lifestyle changes and developing relaxation techniques may also help.
A Word From Verywell
Feeling consistently restless is uncomfortable and can deeply affect your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many health conditions can lead to periods of restlessness and agitation.
This is a common feature of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Health conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, iron deficiency, kidney problems, and dementia, are common causes.
Restlessness may also be a side effect of certain antipsychotic, antiemetic, antidepressant, and blood pressure medications.
On its own, the primary concern with restlessness is that it can lead to insomnia.
Try placing hot or cold compresses onto the legs or giving them a massage.
A hot bath can also help, or even taking a short walk to settle your mind.
2012;13(1):26-34. doi:10.5811/westjem.2011.9.6866
Buoy Health.Top 7 causes of restlessness.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Restless legs syndrome fact sheet.
National Institutes of Health.Hyperthyroidism: Graves' disease: overactive thyroid.
National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
National Health Service.Restless legs syndrome: treatment.
Tachere R, Modirrousta M.Beyond anxiety and agitation: a clinical approach to akathisia.Aust Fam Physician.
2017;46(5):296-298.
American Psychiatric Association.What Is ADHD?
National Institute on Aging.What is dementia?
Symptoms, types, and diagnosis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Treatment for restless legs syndrome (RLS).
