Prevalence of restless leg syndrome, associated variables and impact on sleep quality in a cohort of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders

Abstract

Background: Restless leg syndrome is a sensorimotor, sleep-related neurological disorder that is still an
underdiagnosed condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move legs at rest, especially at night. Sleep being
a vital component of comprehensive health is affected in RLS. The study was conducted to estimate the
prevalence of restless leg syndrome (RLS) and its impact on sleep disturbance in patients presenting to the
psychiatry clinic (outpatient psychiatric department).
Methodology: The present study was a cross-sectional, observational, single-center, interview-based study,
conducted on 600 patients diagnosed with psychiatric illness. A questionnaire of the International Restless Leg
Syndrome Scale (IRLS) was applied to assess the severity of RLS and sleep disturbance was assessed using the
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale.
Results: It was found that among 600 psychiatric patients, the prevalence of RLS was 41.2% (247 patients). Major
depressive disorder, migraine, and anxiety disorders show a high prevalence of RLS with a prevalence of 42.9%,
19.40%, and 15%respectively whereas alcohol use disorder has a low prevalence of 2.4%. The association between
sleep and RLS was found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: RLS is a highly prevalent disorder, and it needs to be evaluated in patients with sleep disturbance
especially those presenting with symptoms of mood, migraine, and anxiety. Individuals with RLS suffer difficulty
falling asleep and have shorter and more fragmented sleep experiences, leading to poorer overall sleep quality.