Restless Legs Syndrome – prevalence and associated factors among university students in Estonia

Abstract

Introduction Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is described as uncomfortable sensation in legs which gets worse in the evening or bedtime and may at least partially be relieved by movement. The prevalence in general population is reported in most studies 10–12% and may differ quite largely by countries. RLS has been associated with dopaminergic dysregulation, several health conditions and lifestyle factors like consumption of coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and some drugs. RLS is considered to be more prevalent among women and older people. As being chronic and undertreated condition RLS could have a serious impact on sleep quality and emotional status. Very little is known about RLS prevalence among otherwise healthy young people. This was the reason, we decided to concentrate on sample of university students. RLS in Estonia is underestimated as a disease and underdiagnosed, so the real prevalence in general population is now unknown. The aim of this study was to specify the prevalence and associated factors of RLS in the group of Estonian students presenting the epidemiologic situation among young healthy adults. Materials and methods All the participants were students of University of Tartu, Estonia who attended lectures in 2005. 757 questionnaires which included personal data, questions about sleep and daytime habits, lifestyle factors and Emotional State Questionnaire (EST-Q), were delivered to the students. The response rate was 98.8% and the final study sample consisted of 747 students. The participants were from age 18–35 (mean 20.6). 522 (69.8%) of the respondents were female and 226 (30.2%) male. The existence and severity of RLS was evaluated by question: “During bedtime, do you have disturbing unpleasant sensation in legs, so that you have to move the legs to get rid of it?” According to the answers we divided participants into 3 categories: healthy, intermittent RLS group and persistent RLS group. Results The overall prevalence of RLS was 23% and the prevalence of persistent RLS (symptoms at least 1–2 times a week) was 6%. In our study we did not find statistically relevant associations between RLS and gender, age, sleep duration, coffee, alcohol or tobacco consumption. RLS was associated with BMI ( p = 0.0153), daytime sleepiness ( p = 0.0342), subjective quality of sleep ( p = 0.00006) and use of medication (besides sleeping pills) ( p = 0.0188). We found strong associations between RLS and depression ( p = 0.0000015), generalized anxiety disorder ( p = 0.000000176), panic disorder ( p = 0.0037), asthenia (0.0015) and insomnia ( p = 0.00015). Conclusion RLS is more prevalent among young adults than could be predicted on the ground of general population studies. RLS has serious impact on sleep quality and emotional status. Therefore it is important to diagnose and treat RLS to avoid and cure accompanying conditions. Acknowledgements This study was funded by Estonian Research Council , by Grant SF0180125s08 Neurbiological, genetic and psychosocial factors associated with onset, pathogenesis and treatment outcome of schizophrenia, major depression and panic disorders.