Your body is constantly sending you signals. If you pay attention, it will often tell you when something isn’t quite right. Some signs are obvious—like a stuffy nose during a cold or a fever during an infection—but other signs of poor health can be subtle and easy to overlook.
Sometimes, the earliest signs of chronic or underlying health problems appear in small, almost imperceptible ways. These issues may not seem dangerous at first, but if ignored, they can grow into something far more serious. That’s why learning to listen to your body is so important.
There are countless ways your body might be trying to alert you to a problem. The following list isn’t exhaustive or diagnostic, but here are ten subtle signs that something might be off—and what you can do about them.
1. A Crawling or Achy Feeling in Your Legs
If you notice a crawling, throbbing, or tingling sensation in your legs—or an uncontrollable urge to move them—you may be experiencing restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis–Ekbom disease. The symptoms usually appear in the evening or at night when you are sitting or lying down, and relief often comes only through movement such as stretching, walking, or shaking your legs.
Common sensations include:
Because RLS typically worsens at night, it can seriously disrupt sleep and lower your overall quality of life. Many people never mention it to a doctor out of fear of not being taken seriously, but medical help can make a major difference.
Treatment often includes medications that increase dopamine activity in the brain or affect calcium channels. Certain opioids, muscle relaxants, or sleep aids may also help.
Home remedies can be beneficial too. Warm baths, leg massages, and hot or cold packs may ease discomfort. Magnesium supplements may provide additional relief. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and avoiding fatigue are also key, since tiredness tends to make symptoms worse. Moderate, regular exercise is helpful, but overexertion—especially late in the day—can intensify the problem. Reducing caffeine intake may also make a noticeable difference.
In addition, a special compression foot wrap designed for RLS sufferers has been shown to help reduce symptoms. Talk to your doctor about possible treatment options that fit your condition.
2. Your Skin Is Getting Thicker
Your skin is the largest organ of your body—and one of the best indicators of your overall health. If you notice that it’s becoming unusually thick, rough, or itchy, this could be a sign of an internal medical condition.
Possible causes include:
Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP): A chronic inflammatory skin disorder.
Psoriasis: A condition that causes rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to scaling and thick patches.
Hypothyroidism: When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, slowing down cell turnover.
If you develop raised, thick, red, or itchy patches, consult your doctor. They may perform blood tests or other diagnostic procedures to identify the cause. Once diagnosed, treatment can target the root problem—whether it’s hormonal, autoimmune, or inflammatory.
3. Changes in Handwriting, Smell, or Dreams
It might sound surprising, but subtle changes in your handwriting, sense of smell, or dreams can sometimes be early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s typically develop gradually and worsen over time. They may include:
Tremors or shaking in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
Stiffness in the limbs and trunk
Slowness of movement
Impaired balance and coordination (leading to falls)
Emotional changes such as depression or anxiety
Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking
Urinary problems or constipation
Skin issues
Disrupted sleep patterns
Early symptoms can be very mild—perhaps a barely noticeable tremor, smaller handwriting, or speaking more softly than usual. Some people report having sleep disturbances, constipation, loss of smell, or restless legs before more visible motor symptoms begin.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but early diagnosis allows for effective management through medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. If you suspect you might be showing early signs, consult your doctor for proper testing and assessment, as many other conditions can mimic Parkinson’s symptoms.
4. Experiencing Excessive Anger or Aggression
Anger is a normal emotion, but frequent, uncontrollable bursts of anger—especially over trivial matters—may indicate an underlying problem such as depression or anxiety disorders.
Psychologists have noted that unresolved anger or hostility can be deeply linked to depressive states. People who struggle with irritability or aggression may actually be masking sadness, frustration, or feelings of helplessness.
Unfortunately, anger is often overlooked in traditional depression treatment plans. If you or someone you know struggles with constant irritability or violent emotional swings, speaking with a mental health professional can help identify the root cause and provide healthier coping mechanisms.
5. Sleeping Too Much
While seven to nine hours of sleep per night is considered healthy, needing much more than that—or feeling exhausted even after adequate rest—may point to a condition called hypersomnia.
Hypersomnia causes excessive daytime sleepiness or very long periods of nighttime sleep. Unlike simple fatigue from staying up too late, this condition can make you feel persistently tired, leading to involuntary napping during the day that doesn’t relieve your exhaustion.
Possible causes include:
Treatment depends on the cause and can include stimulant medications, adjustments in work or sleep schedules, dietary changes, and avoiding caffeine or alcohol before bed.
