Restlessness is defined as an uneasy state of mind when it is not possible for the individual to relax or be calm. Restlessness symptoms include constant fidgeting, irritability, short temper, rapid breathing and increased heart rate. The last two symptoms are the physical reactions of the body to the restlessness.


An individual who suffers from restlessness will be stressed. Stress is known to produce some physical symptoms in an individual which may include rapid heart rate and rapid respiration. It is a normal condition that occurs in human beings during various points in one’s life.


There are various situations in which a person may experience events which lead to stress and restlessness. Restlessness is often associated with a period of uncertainty. When a person is awaiting some news or is expecting some event to occur, he or she will likely be restless. Restlessness is therefore a psychological condition. There is, however, the possibility that there are medical restlessness causes. It is, however, difficult to list the numerous possible restlessness causes. This is because there are a number of different conditions that can cause restlessness symptoms.

Restlessness has been linked to many psychological conditions like anxiety and stress disorders. In a healthy individual, hyperactivity could be one of the foremost restlessness causes. This applies to clinically diagnosed conditions of hyperactivity as well. A person suffering from symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, for example, would probably suffer from restlessness as well. This form of restlessness is linked to an inability to sit still rather than some nervousness or stress relating to the events that have unfolded in the individual’s life. Restlessness based on the feeling of nervousness may also be clinically significant. People suffering from mental conditions that would display restlessness and anxiety as also would show prominent signs of nervousness.

Depression and restlessness are also closely related and therefore medical intervention may be necessary if the individual is suffering from severe restlessness. Often the restless behavior of the individual will change to aggression or violence particularly if the individual is unable to overcome whatever is causing the restlessness. This may be dangerous to a person who is trying to restrain or control an individual suffering from extreme restlessness. Under normal circumstances, an individual can be handled through conversation and counseling. One should also consider the drug angle for restlessness. If restlessness is induced by consuming drugs, then the individual may need to be restrained in some way and treated for any health effects of drug consumption.