The Long-Term Psychiatric and Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality of Restless Legs Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movements of Sleep

Abstract

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sensory-motor neurological disorder that is associated with high levels of distress and sleep disturbance. Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence suggests that individuals suffering from RLS may be at an increased risk of certain psychiatric illnesses and cardiovascular diseases. There also is evidence for increased mortality rates in RLS patients, although contrasting results do exist. Periodic limb movements of sleep (PLMS), repetitive leg movement observed in most RLS patients, and sleep disturbance may mediate the relationship between RLS and long-term morbidity. This article summarizes the literature investigating the potential consequences of both RLS and PLMS.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Depression; Morbidity; Mortality; Periodic limb movements of sleep; Psychiatric illness; Restless legs syndrome; Suicide.