Is RLS linked with smoking?

Question

My friend that smokes shakes his foot like crazy when he is supposedly "relaxing" on the couch. Could it be a horrible nicotine jitter?

Answer 1

A lot of diabetics have RLS. Don't know about smokers.

Answer 2

RLS is not only about moving, it is a unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings, he may be just hyperactive.
if your friend really have RLS probably tobacco is not the cause but we know that caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco may aggravate or trigger symptoms in patients who are predisposed to develop RLS. Some studies have shown that a reduction or complete elimination of such substances may relieve symptoms, although it remains unclear whether elimination of such substances can prevent RLS symptoms from occurring at all.

Answer 3

Nicotine triggers all the nicotinic receptors and adrenergic receptors in the vasculature- veins. It dilates by stimulating release of nitrous oxide. Smokers tend to be more physically jittery and jumpy anyway.
His jittery behaviour could be an aspect of the drug's effect on his vasculature, or it could be just a behaviour. It's called paresthesia.
RLS can be triggered by smoking. Here's a link from NIH.

Answer 4

There is good reason to believe that any stimulant like nicotine can perpetuate RLS...try cutting back on that and caffeine.

Answer 5

It is unknown what causes RLS, it may be genetic. It is not related to smoking, nor does smoking increase it's effects.
I have RLS and do not smoke.

Answer 6

no. Restless leg syndrome is associated with disease. some from unknown origin.

shaking a foot is not RLS. it is strictly a nervous habit, although it could be caused by many things..stress...too much caffiene, tourrets...many others....but it's far from being RLS.