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Obesity: a possible risk factor for restless legs syndrome
Demet Yildiz1, Nilufer Buyukkoyuncu1, Ahmet Kasim Kilic2
1a Department of Neurology , Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital , Bursa , Turkey.
Neurological Research
|September 26, 2017
Summary
Obesity is linked to restless legs syndrome (RLS), with obese individuals experiencing higher rates of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Further research is needed to understand this complex relationship.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common neurological and sleep disorder.
- Metabolic disorders, particularly obesity, are increasingly recognized for their association with sleep disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the relationship between obesity, its cofactors, and the presence of restless legs syndrome.
- To determine if obesity is an independent risk factor for RLS.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study comparing 143 obese (BMI ≥ 30) and 94 non-obese (BMI < 30) individuals.
- Exclusion criteria included arthritis and pregnancy; individuals with diabetes mellitus were included.
- Diagnosis of RLS was based on International RLS Study Group criteria. Depression, anxiety, daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and sleep quality were assessed.
Main Results:
- Obese individuals exhibited significantly higher scores for depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and insomnia compared to non-obese individuals.
- No significant differences were found in daytime sleepiness, sleep efficiency, or sleep latency between the groups.
- RLS was found to be significantly correlated with obesity and vascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Obesity is significantly associated with restless legs syndrome.
- Obese patients demonstrate a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia, independent of daytime sleepiness.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the link between obesity and RLS.
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