The symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) are often difficult to explain. People have used colorful analogies such as itching bones or soda flowing through their veins to try and describe how they were feeling to their doctor. In 2003 the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group, in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health, listed the 4 main characteristics of RLS used to make a diagnosis²:

1. Having odd or uncomfortable sensations within the legs that create a strong desire to move the affected limbs. These sensations are different from muscle cramps and numbness, and are often described as burning, creeping, crawling, aching, tingling, or tugging. Usually starting in the lower legs, symptoms can spread to other parts of the body, such as the feet, trunk, and arms. While often described as uncomfortable or irritating, sometimes these sensations can be painful.

2. The uncomfortable sensations are temporarily relieved through movement. By moving or stretching, the unpleasant sensations can be partially or totally relieved. These kinds of movements are often repetitive, such as pacing, rocking, or shaking.

3. When at rest, the symptoms begin or increase and are relieved by movement. Often people will experience RLS symptoms when inactive or not moving around. Lying down, traveling in a plane, or sitting through a movie are examples of situations when RLS often occurs. While moving the affected limb can lessen the symptoms, once at rest the symptoms often intensify again.

4. Symptoms become more intense throughout the day, becoming worse at night. There is a very distinctive timing to the intensity of RLS symptoms. In the early morning, people with RLS often find some relief from the unpleasant sensations. However, as the day continues, symptoms get increasingly worse. Throughout the night, these irritating sensations reach their peak.