Abstract

A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND IMPACT OF SLEEP – DEPRIVED RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME IN SOUTH KERALA

Athira Mohan S.*, Dr. Dhanya Dharman and (Prof.) Dr. Shaiju S. Dharan

Abstract

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) also known as Willis- Ekbom’s disease, is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move legs, usually because of uncomfortable sensation. Aim & Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and impact of RLS in adults of South Kerala and study the relation of RLS with sleeping pattern, stress, obesity indices. Methodology: All the relevant data was collected by using ESS (Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and IRLSSG (International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group) questionnaire. Answering of all individuals and data collected was subjected to proper statistical analysis in Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. Result: A survey was conducted among 250 individuals, 218 individuals voluntarily participated in the study. Out of which 31 candidates was found to have impaired sleeping-pattern when screened through Epworth Sleeping Scale. 31 candidates were selected for stage2 studies with IRLSSG Questionnaire. 0.46% (n=1) was found to have severe RLS with potential urge to move lower limbs due to cramp like sensation, 2.3% (n=5) candidates was having IRLSSG score between 21- 30 and 7.3% (n= 16) was found to have/susceptible to moderate RLS. Out of 218 candidates, those with impaired sleep and RLS was found to be IT professionals 19.3% (n=6). Conclusion: This study helped in identifying individuals susceptible to RLS (not a threat). The study also enabled to find significant association of RLS with gender, sleep patterns, BMI/obesity, and medical profile. This will ultimately help to improve the sleep, health and quality of life of individuals.

Keywords: RLS, IRLSSG, ESS.