Feeling Restless - Healthdirect

Key facts

• Restlessness is common, but when it happens a lot or with other issues it can disrupt daily life.
• Medical conditions including depression, anxiety or ADHD can cause restlessness.
• Medicines such as antipsychotics, may lead to a distressing restlessness syndrome called akathisia.
• Self-help methods include meditation, breathing exercises and talking to friends and family.
• If restlessness affects your daily life, talk to a doctor for professional help.

On this page

• What is restlessness?
• What are symptoms of restlessness?
• What can cause restlessness?
• What medicines can cause restlessness?
• How do you treat restlessness?
• When should I see my doctor?
• Resources and support
• Related information on Australian websites

What is restlessness?

Everyone can feel restless and fidgety from time to time. However, if you feel restless often, and if you also have other symptoms, it can interrupt your daily life and even impact your quality of life.

People experience restlessness differently. Restlessness may affect your mental state and it might be difficult for you to concentrate or relax. It may also be something that affects you physically, such as in restless legs syndrome.

What are symptoms of restlessness?

Symptoms of restlessness include:

• pacing
• constant movements of the legs
• inability to sit or stand still
• rocking from foot to foot
• feeling tense or uncomfortable
• feeling anxious

Severe symptoms are:

• impulsive behaviour
• suicidal thoughts

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What can cause restlessness?

Occasional restlessness can be part of normal life, but when it is happens often or for a long time, restlessness may be a feature of a medical condition.

Some conditions that may feature restlessness as a symptom include:

• depression and anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• dementia —you may become restless in the late afternoon and evening, known as ‘sundowning’
• hyperthyroidism
• restless legs syndrome —an uncomfortable feeling in your legs and an urge to move them to relieve discomfort, which is more common in the evenings and night and often affects sleep
• illicit drug or alcohol use or withdrawal — detoxing from alcohol (if you have developed a dependence) or drugs can cause symptoms including restlessness and agitation

What medicines can cause restlessness?

If you or someone you care about is experiencing suicidal thoughts call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, or go to your nearest emergency department.

Some medicines may cause akathisia, a distressing syndrome that features restlessness. With akathisia, the affected person is unable to stay still. They may shuffle their feet and march on the spot. Akathisia is very upsetting and can cause suicidal thoughts.

Akathisia can be a side effect of several types of medicines. This includes some antipsychotics and some medicines for nausea and vomiting (antiemetics).

If you think a medicine is causing your restlessness, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice. There may be a different medicine that does not have that side effect.

To search medicines by active ingredient or brand name, use the healthdirect Medicines search feature.

How do you treat restlessness?

Depending on the reason for your restlessness your doctor may recommend medicine, acupuncture or acupressure as types of treatment. If your restlessness is due to anxiety or depression, they can help you make a mental health assessment plan. They may also refer you to a psychiatrist or another