Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Traditional Chinese Medicine for Sleep Disorders in Acute COPD — A Safe, Cost-Effective Approach
Published on: October 18, 2024
Restless legs syndrome is related to obstructive sleep apnea symptoms during pregnancy
Hasan Terzi1, Rabia Terzi, Burak Zeybek
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Derince Research and Training Hospital, Orhan mh. Devran cd. No:12, İzmit, Kocaeli, Turkey, drhterzi@yahoo.com.
Background:
To investigate the relation between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms during pregnancy.
Methods:
A questionnaire consisting of diagnostic criteria of restless legs syndrome, demographic characteristics, personal behavior, muscle cramps during pregnancy, past medical illnesses, family history of RLS, and the major symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was administered during a face-to-face interview. Pregnant women with and without RLS were compared in terms of serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphor, iron, folate, vitamin B12 levels, and obstructive sleep apnea symptoms.
Results:
There were statistically significant differences between two groups in terms of two of the obstructive sleep apnea symptoms (witnessed apnea and fatigue) (p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found with regard to serum calcium, magnesium, iron, hemoglobin, hematocrit, vitamin B12, phosphor, and folate levels; however, there were significant differences in terms of total iron-binding capacity.
Conclusions:
Increasing awareness of restless legs syndrome among obstetricians is essential as it might be related to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, which is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Restless Leg Syndrome and Night Terrors
The exact cause of RLS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate muscle movement. Imbalances in dopamine levels...
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Sleepwalking and Sleep Talking
Factors that increase the likelihood of sleepwalking include sleep deprivation and alcohol consumption. Contrary to common beliefs, it is safe...

