Clinical Overview Epidemiology   Etiology   Morbidity

Morbidity

Chronic disruption of sleep and the consequent reduction in daytime alertness are the major morbidities of RLS.^1,2 Studies have suggested that patients suffering with moderate to severe RLS have a higher incidence of depression and anxiety than non-RLS patients.^1,19 The severity of depression and anxiety correlates with the severity of RLS symptoms.¹⁹ The significant burden of moderate to severe RLS may also have a major impact on quality of life. One observational study reported lower quality of life in moderate to severe RLS patients compared to patients suffering from conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and osteoarthritis.²⁰