Restless legs can be a far-reaching problem

Reported by Susan Aldridge, PhD, medical journalist

A survey shows that restless legs syndrome often co-exists with psychiatric and social problems.
A survey shows that restless legs syndrome often co-exists with psychiatric and social problems.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition in which people have an unpleasant 'crawling' sensation in their legs which often makes it hard to sleep. The causes are not well known and new light is now shed by a survey coming from the University of Kentucky

One person in ten suffers RLS and these people are more likely than average to suffer mood disturbance and problems at work. They are also more likely to have other conditions such as sleep apnea, insomnia, hypertension, and diabetes. Those with RLS were also more likely to be daily smokers, to be overweight and to have a sedentary lifestyle.

The researchers say it may be possible that medication taken for mood disorders produces RLS as a side effect. Or that RLS, which is distressing, produces anxiety and depression. People can try to tackle RLS by getting rid of some of the risk factors, such as inactivity and overweight. And their doctor should look carefully to see if there is any primary, treatable cause for the condition.

Source
CHEST conference 31st October 2005

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