TENS for restless legs syndrome: A possible path to better sleep

If restless legs syndrome (RLS) is interfering with your ability to get restful sleep, emerging research on TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) therapy may offer some hope. A recent study has suggested that frequency-based therapies, like TENS, may help reduce motor system symptoms, ease anxiety, and minimize sleep disturbances associated with RLS. Although this is one of only a few formal studies on the topic, anecdotal evidence also supports the idea that TENS therapy can offer significant relief to many individuals suffering from this frustrating and sometimes debilitating condition.

Because the exact cause of RLS remains unclear, treatment options are often limited or inconsistent in their effectiveness. For thousands of individuals—both men and women—who experience this persistent urge to move their legs, especially at night, these findings could represent a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to help regain control and comfort.

Key study results: Frequency therapy shows promise

One of the studies included 14 participants who had all been previously diagnosed with restless legs syndrome. Over the course of 18 days, the participants received 14 therapy sessions. During treatment, researchers administered 15 Hz frequency via repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which operates on similar principles to TENS by delivering targeted electrical impulses to specific areas of the body.

To evaluate the outcomes, the study used multiple rating scales:

• IRLS (International Restless Legs Scale) for RLS symptoms
• Hamilton Anxiety Scale
• Hamilton Depression Scale

The results were encouraging. Participants experienced significant improvements across all three scales. Even more promising, the positive effects of the treatment were not fleeting—some patients reported relief lasting for up to two months following their final session.

A second study supports the findings

Further evidence came from a 2014 study that explored similar outcomes. In this study, 19 patients were divided into two groups: a treatment group receiving actual stimulation and a control group receiving placebo (sham) therapy. Each patient was evaluated using the IRLS-RS (Restless Legs Rating Scale) after five and ten sessions of therapy.

The patients in the treatment group showed a statistically significant reduction in symptom severity compared to those in the control group. Based on these findings, researchers concluded that TENS therapy may be a safe, well-tolerated, and non-invasive option for individuals suffering from restless legs syndrome—and one worthy of further clinical investigation.

Why TENS and PEMF therapy may help RLS

Although no single cause of RLS has been definitively identified, many practitioners believe that contributing factors may include:

• Nervous system imbalances
• Poor circulation
• Inflammation
• Emotional or psychological stress (including anxiety and depression)

Since TENS and PEMF therapies are already known to positively influence nerve function, blood flow, and inflammatory response, it’s not surprising that these modalities are gaining attention as potential therapies for RLS.

For individuals seeking natural alternatives to pharmaceutical treatments—particularly those with side effects—TENS therapy offers a gentle and potentially effective solution to reclaim peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.