Medical Cannabis for Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless Legs Syndrome Overview

• RLS affects approximately 5-10% of the UK adult population
• The irresistible urge to move legs at night severely disrupts sleep
• Dopamine agonists are first-line but many patients develop augmentation over time
• Medical cannabis is increasingly sought by patients with inadequate response to conventional treatment

RLS is a frequently underdiagnosed condition causing significant sleep impairment.

Evidence and Prescribing Approach

• Patient surveys consistently report high satisfaction with cannabis for RLS symptoms
• Cannabis may modulate dopaminergic pathways relevant to RLS pathophysiology
• Evening dosing with a THC-containing oil or flower is the typical approach
• Regular review to assess sleep quality using validated scales is recommended

RLS patients often report significant improvement in sleep quality with evening-dosed medical cannabis.