Are Restless Legs Syndrome and ADHD Connected?

PostedSeptember 10, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 10, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Restless legs syndrome and ADHD are two conditions that may seem unrelated, but they can share overlapping symptoms, leading to confusion in diagnosis. Both disorders can result in night restlessness, difficulty with focus, and sleep disturbance, which are common in individuals with ADHD. Understanding the relationship between these conditions is key to proper diagnosis and treatment.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, typically due to uncomfortable sensations. This often leads to disrupted sleep, which can exacerbate symptoms of inattention and irritability. Individuals with ADHD may already struggle with sleep disturbances, and when RLS is present, it can worsen the overall symptoms, making it more difficult for the individual to focus and concentrate during the day.

Common Symptoms: Restless Legs Syndrome and ADHD

Night Restlessness

Both restless legs syndrome and ADHD can result in night restlessness, causing difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. However, RLS specifically involves the urge to move the legs, whereas ADHD-related sleep issues are often linked to hyperactivity or difficulty winding down.

Sleep Disturbance

Sleep disturbance is common in both conditions. In restless legs syndrome, the discomfort in the legs leads to interrupted sleep, while in ADHD, the inability to focus or control impulses may lead to difficulties settling down at night.

Attention Link

While restless legs syndrome and ADHD can both lead to attention issues during the day, RLS is often a direct cause of poor sleep quality, which in turn affects daytime attention, concentration, and mood.

By understanding the connection between restless legs syndrome and ADHD, healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose and treat both conditions, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate care for their symptoms.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.

Harriet Winslow, BSc

Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.