Restless Legs Syndrome Among the Elderly

Current Concepts in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep Disorders in the Elderly

Sleep disorders are a pervasive problem throughout all patient populations but represent an especially important health problem for the elderly. Alterations in sleep architecture that occur as a part of normal aging will contribute to sleep problems as we grow older. Other contributing factors-including comorbid medical conditions, changes in lifestyle and schedule, altered circadian rhythm, among a host of others-can have detrimental effects on the health of the elderly. Coupled with a number of sleep disorders that either emerge or exacerbate with age, the effects of poor sleep often result in an overall worsening of quality of life. Treatment options can be unique in this population and often more difficult due to the effects of normal aging, as well as polypharmacy and possible medication interactions. The following article will focus on the common sleep disorders that can besiege this population, symptoms to aid in diagnosis, and specific treatment options to help improve quality of life in the elderly.

Restless legs syndrome and pregnancy or delivery complications in China: a representative survey

OBJECTIVE

To perform a detailed epidemiological study of Chinese women and the relationship between restless legs syndrome (RLS) in pregnancy and any associated complications during delivery.

METHODS

A total of 3874 pregnant women (18-40 years) who had delivered babies at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2011 to May 2014 were enrolled in the study. Using a face-to-face interview questionnaire, data were collected pertaining to RLS incidence in pregnancy and any associated complications during delivery. The relationship between RLS frequency and pregnancy or delivery complications was further investigated.

RESULTS

Among 12.3% of the eligible participants, RLS prevalence occurred at least weekly. Older pregnant women were more likely to suffer from RLS. Individuals who experienced RLS at least weekly reported a statistically higher frequency of excessive daytime sleepiness and an increased prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and preeclampsia compared with those without RLS.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that RLS was frequent in Chinese pregnant women, especially in those with pregnancy or delivery complications such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and preeclampsia. Restless legs syndrome was also associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Risk factors and prevalence rate of restless legs syndrome among pregnant women in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The goal of this study was to assess the prevalence and clinical correlates of restless legs syndrome (RLS) among pregnant Taiwanese women.

METHODS

We enrolled 461 pregnant women (18-45 years) admitted at Mackay Memorial Hospital for delivery from September 2010 to May 2011. The face-to-face questionnaire used to gather data included assessment of RLS diagnostic criteria, and questions related to RLS.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence rate of RLS among the study participants was 10.4%; 2.8% were categorized as having chronic RLS. Participants without RLS reported higher folate and iron supplement consumption than those with RLS. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations of RLS with anemia and peptic ulcer disease. Participants with transient RLS during pregnancy reported more regular coffee consumption before pregnancy, and better sleep latency, duration, and efficiency, than those with chronic RLS. Overall, 81.2% of RLS sufferers reported sleep disturbances.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed highly prevalent but poorly recognized RLS among Taiwanese pregnant women. The identification of predictors such as medical comorbidities, and protectors such as folate and iron supplements, is warranted for obstetric RLS. In most cases, symptoms began during the second or third trimester and resolved within a week after delivery. Restricted coffee consumption before pregnancy is encouraged, but further evidence is needed to support this recommendation.