Compression Socks for Restless Legs: Find Relief & Sleep Better

Restless legs syndrome is a condition that is frustrating and uncomfortable. It keeps you awake at night and creates feelings of discomfort and/or anxiety. Luckily, there are at-home remedies you can use to calm your legs and improve your sleep. Thanks to their beneficial impact on circulation and the soothing massage they apply to the lower limbs, compression socks can be helpful for you, if you suffer from restless legs syndrome, often abbreviated as RLS.

How do compression socks help restless legs? They boost circulation, which may help bring down inflammation and swelling, all while massaging the muscles and joints. This creates a soothing, relaxing feeling, which you can benefit from while you sleep or throughout the day. And they are easy to use, comfortable, and stylish (for any outfit you choose to wear).

Let’s have a look at exactly how and why you should use compression socks to treat symptoms of RLS and what other complementary therapies you can use to improve your sleep.

Although the root cause of RLS is not known, several findings link the condition to peripheral neuropathy, venous insufficiency, and poor circulation. Moreover, those who suffer from RLS often struggle with the “pins and needles” sensation - another feeling strongly linked to poor blood flow. Scientific research strongly supports the claim that compression socks improve blood flow. This reduces the risk of getting numb or cold feet and soothes aches and pains in the lower limbs.

Graduated compression socks, which are tighter at the ankles and release pressure as they go up the leg, are effective in stimulating blood flow back to the heart (also called venous return. Medical research shows that this reduces the risk of blood or fluid pooling at the extremities. It keeps the lower legs from swelling and becoming painful. This is why compression socks are among the treatment options recommended for managing restless legs.

Browse our range of stylish compression socks for restless legs.

As discussed by this primary research article, the main impact of wearing compression socks for improving restless legs syndrome is a reduction in lower leg swelling and pain, which was found to improve sleep quality . That research study shows that if you suffer from restless leg syndrome, wearing compression socks will make a positive difference in the overall comfort of your lower limbs and can help you sleep better through the night. That study found that wearing compression stockings or socks at night can:

• Improve sleep quality by up to 50%.
• Reduce RLS symptoms by up to 60%.
• Improve overall wellbeing by up to 50%.

Thanks to graduated pressure which is stronger at ankle level and slowly decreases as you move up the leg, VIM & VIGR compression socks help relieve swelling and discomfort. This makes your legs feel lighter and more energized. This graduated design is known to stimulate venous return to the heart, which reduces the risk of blood or fluid pooling at the extremities. Better blood flow is also good for helping the muscles recover quicker after an effort, reducing the risk of cramps and blood clots, or combatting the feeling of “pins and needles” or numb feet.

Additionally, when you wear compression socks during pregnancy or when sitting down for long periods of time (like during long drives or flights), or if you suffer from RLS as a result of chronic venous insufficiency, the boost in lower leg blood flow is a huge benefit.

Compression socks apply therapeutic pressure to the legs, which feels like a soothing massage. This has been shown by many research studies to reduce pain. This helps relax the muscles while reducing pressure on them and on the joints. Moreover, the improvements in blood flow are related to reduced swelling and inflammation, which helps your legs stay comfortable throughout the night.

Since compression socks help reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as venous pressure, they are a great tool for improving relaxation and subsequently, sleep quality. The Cleveland Clinic likens them to a "helpful hug” for the legs. If you’ve been standing all day, you are more likely to suffer from restless legs. This can be a reaction to the side effect of gravity causing blood to pool around the periphery and a lack of muscle pumping of blood out of the legs.

Wearing compression socks as you relax before bed, or even sleeping in them, helps regulate circulation throughout the body, bringing down inflammation, swelling, and pain. By wearing compression socks to bed, you’ll have a more relaxed sleep, without feeling discomfort or aches and pains.

Yes, compression socks are perfectly safe to sleep in. They apply therapeutic pressure to the lower legs, stimulating blood flow and massaging the muscles. For those who are new to compression, it is a good idea to wear them for a few hours at a time to get used to the sensations. Gradually increase the time you wear them until you are ready to spend 8 hours in your compression socks to help you relax and enjoy a great night’s sleep.

Discover soothing, warm merino wool compression socks.

Restless Leg Syndrome is also known as Wilis-Ekbom disease. It is a feeling of discomfort and wanting to move the legs constantly, especially apparent at night when you want to go to sleep. Here is what you should know about RLS.

The constant feeling of wanting to move your legs, usually after you have been sitting or lying down for an extended period, is commonly referred to as “restless legs.” There is often no known root cause of RLS, although it has been linked to low levels of dopamine (the neurotransmitter responsible for creating feelings of pleasure and happiness in the brain, and a precursor of adrenaline, which excites the body). Dopamine also helps the brain control muscle movement, which is how it can relate to restless leg syndrome.

Two major causes of RLS are genetics (it does run in the family, especially if you start experiencing it earlier in life) and pregnancy. The latter, or other significant hormonal changes, can worsen the symptoms of RLS temporarily. For some, pregnancy can be the first time you experience RLS, while for others, it may be a time when your symptoms get a little more severe. It is important for you to know that medical research has found that compression socks or stockings can reduce RLS symptoms and improve sleep quality.

We have also mentioned some more at-risk populations for developing RLS. These include women and older people; the condition often develops later in life. RLS also may accompany other conditions, including:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Iron deficiency
• Spinal cord conditions
• Kidney issues / failure
• Parkinson’s disease

Finally, an often-overlooked cause of restless leg syndrome is chronic venous insufficiency. A 2021 research study found that nearly 70% of people with venous disease (e.g., venous insufficiency) also have restless legs syndrome, which means that poor blood circulation may also cause RLS.

Researchers have found multiple links between restless legs and circulatory conditions or cardiovascular disease. A 2014 study showed that patients with slow coronary flow were more likely to develop RLS, while a 2022 paper linked varicose veins to restless legs and nocturnal leg cramps.

That research indicates that improving blood flow in the lower legs can help reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of RLS. Compression socks boost peripheral circulation to make everyday activities easier or more comfortable, and they require almost no effort to use! Moreover, they are stylish, versatile, and easy to wear all day long or at night, when trying to go to sleep.

Wear sleek compression tights to boost circulation and style.

So, how do you know if you have restless legs syndrome? The first signs of RLS involve a general feeling of discomfort in the legs or feet. This might feel like itching or pins and needles, but some people just say it is random leg discomfort.

In addition to this, here are some other descriptions of how RLS is perceived:

• Crawling or creeping feeling
• Pulling
• Throbbing
• Aching
• “Electric”

It can be difficult to put it in words, but restless leg syndrome feels like what the name suggests. People with RLS feel like they want to move their legs. All. The. Time. The severity of RLS can fluctuate a lot, and it may be also associated with cramps. However, most people say RLS seems to affect them “within the limb.”

Staying awake because of restless legs has a huge negative impact on health and wellbeing. Those suffering from RLS can have insomnia and sleep fragmentation, which means that you can often wake up in the middle of the night (more than once). Multiple studies have shown that poor sleep caused by RLS can make you feel less alert during the day and less productive overall.

It is important to note that RLS has been defined in relation to sleep and typically observed in the evening or at night, when lying down and trying to relax. Hence, there is a strong correlation between sleeping well and reducing the symptoms of RLS.

Thanks to the simplicity of use and the benefits of wearing compression socks for restless legs, they are some of the best at-home treatments for this RLS. If you are still wondering how to make the most of compression socks in this situation, here are some tips on choosing your ideal pair and wearing them for best results.

Choosing your socks starts with sizing. To benefit from compression, you need to wear socks that are tight enough for the massage to take effect from your ankles up to your knees. You also need to ensure that your socks are not too tight (running the risk of cutting off your circulation). To find the size of compression socks you need to improve RLS symptoms, follow our guide here.

The pressure that graduated compression socks apply varies, according to how tightly they hug your legs. To ensure you stay comfortable when wearing compression socks, we recommend starting with the 15-20 mmHg level and then increasing from there if you feel like you may need more pressure.

You can find out more about choosing the right graduated compression levels for you here.

Finding restless leg compression socks that suit your needs, considering your activity levels and environment (temperature, humidity) is especially important. Depending on if you’re running, walking, or just wearing your socks as a fun accessory at the office, you have a choice of moisture-wicking fabrics (like Merino wool), cotton, or more.

Wearing the most comfortable fabric for your desired activity will help your feet and legs feel more energized and fresher, too.

Wearing compression stockings or socks is recommended if you have certain health conditions, but you can also wear these garments casually if you pick a compression level that does not require a prescription. However, if you have any concerns around blood flow, blood clots, skin issues, or more, you should consult with a doctor or medical professional before starting to wear compression socks.

Some gentle forms of exercise can stimulate blood flow and get your legs moving with little pressure on your joints, which can be a good thing for RLS. For example, research shows that yoga can be beneficial (but not “extreme” yoga like hot yoga or extra difficult poses). Cycling and swimming are also particularly good options.

To avoid RLS from settling in, you can do a few simple stretches regularly to mobilize your leg muscles. These include calf stretches (against a wall or chair, one leg at a time), stretching your quadriceps (front thigh), and hip flexor stretches from a lunge position (see study). Light stretching is also very beneficial for relieving the symptoms of “heavy” legs and for improving the quality of your sleep, promoting a good wind-down.

Alternating hot and cold compresses have been used to treat restless legs. This works towards reducing muscle strain and inflammation, helping to relax your leg muscles and reducing the symptoms of RLS.

Maintaining a healthy diet is good for your circulation and can reduce the onset of cramps and restless legs. Try to always include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, while avoiding highly processed foods.

Struggling with restless legs has a negative effect on rest and sleep. Despite this condition being a bit of an unknown, we can see links between poor circulation and RLS, which means that improving peripheral blood flow while massaging the leg muscles will help reduce the discomfort from this condition. Wearing stylish and versatile compression socks is a fantastic way to do just that - helping you prevent restless legs or soothing their symptoms.

Shop soft compression socks for everyday wear.

Charles, T., Mackintosh, D., Healy, B., Perrin, K., Weatherall, M., & Beasley, R. (2011). Merino wool graduated compression stocking increases lower limb venous blood flow: a randomized controlled trial. Advances in therapy, 28(3), 227–237. Read it here.

Dezube, A. R., Rauh, J., Dezube, M., Iafrati, M., Rigo, J., & Muto, P. (2021). Correlation between Restless Leg Syndrome and Superficial Venous Reflux. The International journal of angiology: official publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc, 30(4), 285–291. Read it here.

Dhawan, V., Ali, M., & Chaudhuri, K. R. (2006). Genetic aspects of restless legs syndrome. Postgraduate medical journal, 82(972), 626–629. Read it here.

Erden, İ., Çakcak Erden, E., Durmuş, H., Tıbıllı, H., Tabakçı, M., Kalkan, M. E., Türker, Y., & Akçakoyun, M. (2014). Association between restless leg syndrom and slow coronary flow. Anadolu kardiyoloji dergisi: AKD = the Anatolian journal of cardiology, 14(7), 612–616. Read it here.

Innes, K. E., Selfe, T. K., Agarwal, P., Williams, K., & Flack, K. L. (2013). Efficacy of an eight-week yoga intervention on symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS): a pilot study. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 19(6), 527–535. Read it here.

Kaplan, Ö., Başer, M., & Özgün, M. T. (2024). The effect of compression stockings on the complaints well-being and sleep quality of pregnant women with restless legs syndrome: a randomized controlled study. Revista da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992), 70(7), e20240145. Read it here.

Kim, D. S., Won, Y. H., & Ko, M. H. (2022). Comparison of intermittent pneumatic compression device and compression stockings for workers with leg edema and pain after prolonged standing: a prospective crossover clinical trial. BMC musculoskeletal disorders, 23(1), 1007. Read it here.

Mansur A., Castillo P.R., Rocha Cabrero F., & Bokhari, S.R.A. (2023). Restless Legs Syndrome. StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan. Read it here.

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025). Restless Legs Syndrome. Mayo Clinic Press. Read it here.

Moñux, G., Serna-Soto, M., Plá-Sanchez, F., Zamorano-León, J. J., Segura, A., Rial, R., Freixer, G., Zekri-Nechar, K., Hugo-Martínez, C., Serrano, J., & López-Farré, A. (2021). Compression stockings attenuate the expression of proteins associated with vascular damage in human varicose veins. Journal of vascular surgery. Venous and lymphatic disorders, 9(2), 428–434. Read it here.

Partsch, H., Winiger, J., & Lun, B. (2004). Compression stockings reduce occupational leg swelling. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 30(5), 737–743. Read it here.

Pyne, R., Shah, S., Stevens, L., & Bress, J. (2023). Lateral Subdermic Venous Plexus Insufficiency: The Association of Varicose Veins with Restless Legs Syndrome and Nocturnal Leg Cramps. Journal of vascular and interventional radiology : JVIR, 34(4), 534–542. Read it here.

Stevens M. S. (2015). Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease Morbidity: Burden, Quality of Life, Cardiovascular Aspects, and Sleep. Sleep medicine clinics, 10(3), 369–xvi. Read it here.

Wilt, T. J., MacDonald, R., Ouellette, J., Tacklind, J., Khawaja, I., Rutks, I., Butler, M., & Fink, H. A. (2012). Treatment for Restless Legs Syndrome. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). Read it here.