Epidemiology of restless legs symptoms in adults

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a disorder characterized by sle ep-disrupting unpleasant leg sensations, often accompanied by daytime behav ioral problems. Treatment for this condition is available, but it is suspec ted that most instances of RLS remain undiagnosed. The goal of this investi gation was to assess the prevalence and health status correlates of restles s legs symptoms (hereinafter referred to as restless legs) in the general p opulation. Methods: A question reflecting the clinical features of RLS was added to th e 1996 Kentucky Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. Data on the fre quency of experiencing restless legs, self-rated general and mental health status, demographics, and behavioral risk factors were collected by telepho ne interview from 1803 men and women, 18 years and older. Results: Experiencing restless legs 5 or more nights per month was reported by 3% of participants aged 18 to 29 years, 10% of those aged 30 to 79 year s, and 19% of those 80 years and older. The age-adjusted prevalence for Ken tucky adults is 10.0%; prevalence did not vary significantly by sex. The ad justed odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for restless legs and diminis hed general health and poor mental health status were 2.4 (1.4-4.0) and 3.1 (2.0-4.6), respectively. Restless legs were significantly associated with increased age and body mass index, lower income, smoking, lack of exercise, low alcohol consumption, and diabetes. Conclusions: The prevalence of restless legs in the general adult populatio n is high. Restless legs may be associated with decreased well-being, empha sizing the need for further research and greater medical recognition of thi s condition.