Table of Contents
Risk Factors
RLS may affect 3 - 15% of the general population. It is more common in women than in men, and its frequency increases with age. The disorder affects an estimated 10 - 28% of adults older than age 65. In about 40% of patients, RLS begins in adolescence.
An international study showed that 2% of children ages 8-17 have RLS symptoms. RLS may be more common than epilepsy and diabetes in children and teens.
Family History
As many as two-thirds of people with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a family history of the disorder. In people with a family history of the condition, RLS is more likely to occur before they turn 40. (A family history of RLS is less likely in people who develop it as older adults.) RLS is also more common in people from northern and western Europe, giving added support for a genetic basis for some cases.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
RLS and PLMD in children are strongly associated with inattention and hyperactivity. Up to a quarter of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also have RLS, sleep apnea, and PLMD, and this may actually contribute to inattentiveness and hyperactivity. The disorders have much in common, including poor sleep habits, twitching, and the need to get up suddenly and walk about frequently. Some evidence suggests that the link between the diseases may be a deficiency in the brain chemical dopamine.
Pregnancy
About 20% of pregnant women report having RLS. The condition usually goes away about a month after delivery. RLS in this population has been strongly associated with deficiencies in iron and the B vitamin folate.
Dialysis
Between 20 - 62% of people undergoing dialysis report restless legs syndrome. Symptoms often disappear after a kidney transplant.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety can cause restlessness and agitation at night. These symptoms can cause (or strongly resemble) restless legs syndrome.
Other Conditions Associated with Restless Legs Syndrome
The following medical conditions are also associated with restless legs syndrome, although the relationships are not clear. In some cases, these conditions may contribute to RLS, or they may have a common cause. In some cases, they may coexist due to other risk factors:
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Review Date: 10/15/2010
Reviewed By: Reviewed by: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor
of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts
General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical
Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
