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Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological movement disorder, which often causes sleep problems. However, the comorbidity of this disorder is not well known. This study aimed to document the prevalence of RLS in the general population of Sweden and to identify factors associated with this condition., Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in Sweden. One thousand subjects aged 18-90 years old underwent telephone interviews. The questionnaire assessed such factors as sleep variables, depressive mood, treatment of diabetes mellitus, and treatment with drugs for depression during the previous four-week period. RLS was diagnosed based on the minimal criteria provided by the International RLS Study Group., Results: The prevalence of RLS was 5% (5.7% in women, 3.5% in men). Severe or very severe RLS symptoms during the previous week were noted by 64% of the RLS subjects. Factors associated with RLS were insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, periodic limb movements in sleep, and depressed mood. Those affected by RLS were not more often consumers of drugs for depression than non-RLS subjects., Conclusions: RLS is prevalent in the general population in Sweden. RLS negatively influenced sleep and was associated with depressed mood. Antidepressive drug treatment was not associated with RLS.

Background and Purpose: To estimate prevalence and severity (using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale (IRLS)) and to identify risk factors of restless legs syndrome (RLS)., Patients and Methods: Population-based cross-sectional study; 2005 randomly selected adults 18 years and above participated in a telephone interview in Norway and Denmark, employing the next-birthday technique., Results: Of the cross-section, 11.5% fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for RLS. Half of these reported the symptoms as moderate to very severe. Mean duration of the complaint was 10 years. Prevalence was higher in females than in males (13.4 vs 9.4%) and lowest in the youngest age group (18-29 years, 6.3%). From 30 years and above, no clear age-related difference was seen. Main predictors of RLS were insomnia (odds ratios: 1.71-3.16) and symptoms of periodic limb movements in sleep (3.20-7.85). The response rate was 47%, making the results less reliable., Conclusions: This study indicates that there is a high occurrence of RLS among adults. Main predictors are insomnia and periodic limb movements in sleep.