Diagnosis Your Neurologist will take your medical history and ask for a description of your symptoms. A diagnosis of RLS is based on the following criteria, established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group: • You have a strong, often irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. • Your symptoms start or get worse when you're resting, such as sitting or lying down. • Your symptoms are partially or temporarily relieved by activity, such as walking or stretching. • Your symptoms are worse at night. • Symptoms can't be explained solely by another medical or behavioral condition. Your Neurologist may conduct a physical and a neurological exam. Blood tests, particularly for iron deficiency, may be ordered to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms. In addition, your neurologist may refer you to a sleep specialist. This may involve an overnight stay and a study at a sleep clinic if another sleep disorder such as sleep apnea is suspected. However, a diagnosis of RLS usually doesn't require a sleep study.