Prevalence and correlates of restless legs syndrome in adolescents

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adolescents.

Method: A sleep questionnaire aimed at identifying 'definite' RLS criteria (also including the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale) was completed by 3304 high school adolescents aged 15 to 18 years (49% male; 51% female) in Gaziantep, Turkey. The diagnosis of RLS was confirmed by face-to-face or phone interviewing. The χ² or Student's t-test and logistic regression tests were used for statistical evaluation.

Results: 'Definite' RLS was diagnosed in 3.6% of participants. RLS symptoms were reported to occur on more than one occasion per week (frequent RLS) in 2% of participants and to make it to difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep (RLS with sleeping difficulty) in 1.7%. The prevalence of the combination of frequent symptoms and sleeping difficulty was 0.8%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that RLS was independently associated with nocturnal bed-wetting (4.2% vs 0.8%; p=0.004), sleeping difficulty (47% vs 32%; p=0.011), Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (4.9 vs 3.9; p=0.036), hyperactivity/inattention (25% vs 14%; p=0.049), awakening with discomfort in the legs (51% vs 30%; p<0.001), and parents with RLS-implying symptoms (56% vs 38%; p=0.006). RLS with sleeping difficulty was associated with hyperactivity/inattention (p=0.007); frequent RLS was associated with arm restlessness (p=0.006).

Interpretation: 'Definite' RLS is not rare in adolescents; furthermore, it may be accompanied by several comorbid conditions that can impair quality of life in adolescents.