Link between restless leg syndrome and kidney disease found in new research. Who are at risk? Check symptoms
A recent study highlights that individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those undergoing dialysis, face a significantly higher risk of developing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The condition, marked by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs during rest, is strongly linked to iron deficiency—common in CKD patients due to inflammation, poor iron absorption, and blood loss. Symptoms often worsen at night and disrupt sleep.
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What Is Restless Legs Syndrome?
Why CKD Patients Are More at Risk
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Recognising the Symptoms
Discomfort after sitting or lying down for long periods
Temporary relief through leg movement or stretching
Trouble falling or staying asleep due to nighttime symptoms
Involuntary leg movements during sleep
Difficulty focusing and low mood due to sleep disruption
Causes Beyond Kidney Disease
Managing RLS: Treatment and Lifestyle Support
Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine
Taking warm baths or using heating pads and ice packs
Trying leg massages or gentle stretching before bed
Using devices such as vibration pads or pressure wraps for temporary relief
( Originally published on Jun 20, 2025 )
A growing body of research has highlighted a strong association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition that significantly affects sleep and quality of life. Individuals undergoing dialysis are particularly vulnerable, as their risk of developing RLS is much higher due to complications like iron deficiency.Restless Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly during periods of rest or inactivity. The discomfort is often described as crawling, itching, aching, or pulling sensations. These symptoms tend to worsen in the evening or at night and are usually relieved by movement.While the legs are primarily affected, in some cases, the arms may also experience similar sensations. RLS can disrupt sleep and, over time, lead to mood disturbances, chronic fatigue, and impaired focus.Research shows that nearly one in four people with chronic kidney disease suffer from RLS, with higher prevalence among those on hemodialysis. This increased risk is largely tied to iron deficiency, which is common in CKD patients due to factors like blood loss during dialysis, poor iron absorption, and ongoing inflammation.Brain imaging and spinal fluid analysis in people with RLS reveal low iron concentrations, particularly in areas that regulate dopamine—a chemical essential for muscle control. In kidney disease, both absolute and functional iron deficiencies are often seen. Patients tend to have reduced levels of ferritin and transferrin saturation, along with elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), indicating iron imbalance that may directly contribute to RLS symptoms.The symptoms of RLS vary in intensity but commonly include:In severe cases, these symptoms can appear more than twice a week, significantly affecting daily life and mental well-being.While many RLS cases are linked to CKD and iron deficiency, other health conditions also contribute. These include diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurological disorders involving dopamine pathways, such as Parkinson's disease. Genetics also play a role, as the condition is known to run in families. In some individuals, no specific cause can be identified.Though there is currently no cure for RLS, various treatments can help manage symptoms. Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation, where appropriate, is often a primary focus in CKD patients. Limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco—especially in the evening—can also reduce symptom flare-ups.Other helpful strategies include:For patients with CKD, early identification and management of RLS can significantly improve sleep and overall well-being. Monitoring iron levels and treating deficiencies proactively is key in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life.
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Economic Times
15 hours ago
- Economic Times
Link between restless leg syndrome and kidney disease found in new research. Who are at risk? Check symptoms
A recent study highlights that individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those undergoing dialysis, face a significantly higher risk of developing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The condition, marked by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs during rest, is strongly linked to iron deficiency—common in CKD patients due to inflammation, poor iron absorption, and blood loss. Symptoms often worsen at night and disrupt sleep. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Why CKD Patients Are More at Risk Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Recognising the Symptoms Discomfort after sitting or lying down for long periods Temporary relief through leg movement or stretching Trouble falling or staying asleep due to nighttime symptoms Involuntary leg movements during sleep Difficulty focusing and low mood due to sleep disruption Causes Beyond Kidney Disease Managing RLS: Treatment and Lifestyle Support Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine Taking warm baths or using heating pads and ice packs Trying leg massages or gentle stretching before bed Using devices such as vibration pads or pressure wraps for temporary relief ( Originally published on Jun 20, 2025 ) A growing body of research has highlighted a strong association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition that significantly affects sleep and quality of life. Individuals undergoing dialysis are particularly vulnerable, as their risk of developing RLS is much higher due to complications like iron Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly during periods of rest or inactivity. The discomfort is often described as crawling, itching, aching, or pulling sensations. These symptoms tend to worsen in the evening or at night and are usually relieved by the legs are primarily affected, in some cases, the arms may also experience similar sensations. RLS can disrupt sleep and, over time, lead to mood disturbances, chronic fatigue, and impaired shows that nearly one in four people with chronic kidney disease suffer from RLS, with higher prevalence among those on hemodialysis. This increased risk is largely tied to iron deficiency, which is common in CKD patients due to factors like blood loss during dialysis, poor iron absorption, and ongoing imaging and spinal fluid analysis in people with RLS reveal low iron concentrations, particularly in areas that regulate dopamine—a chemical essential for muscle control. In kidney disease, both absolute and functional iron deficiencies are often seen. Patients tend to have reduced levels of ferritin and transferrin saturation, along with elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), indicating iron imbalance that may directly contribute to RLS symptoms of RLS vary in intensity but commonly include:In severe cases, these symptoms can appear more than twice a week, significantly affecting daily life and mental many RLS cases are linked to CKD and iron deficiency, other health conditions also contribute. These include diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurological disorders involving dopamine pathways, such as Parkinson's disease. Genetics also play a role, as the condition is known to run in families. In some individuals, no specific cause can be there is currently no cure for RLS, various treatments can help manage symptoms. Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation, where appropriate, is often a primary focus in CKD patients. Limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco—especially in the evening—can also reduce symptom helpful strategies include:For patients with CKD, early identification and management of RLS can significantly improve sleep and overall well-being. Monitoring iron levels and treating deficiencies proactively is key in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Time of India
Link between restless leg syndrome and kidney disease found in new research. Who are at risk? Check symptoms
A growing body of research has highlighted a strong association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological condition that significantly affects sleep and quality of life. Individuals undergoing dialysis are particularly vulnerable, as their risk of developing RLS is much higher due to complications like iron deficiency. What Is Restless Legs Syndrome? Restless Legs Syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological condition that creates an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, particularly during periods of rest or inactivity. The discomfort is often described as crawling, itching, aching, or pulling sensations. These symptoms tend to worsen in the evening or at night and are usually relieved by movement. While the legs are primarily affected, in some cases, the arms may also experience similar sensations. RLS can disrupt sleep and, over time, lead to mood disturbances, chronic fatigue, and impaired focus. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 5 Dividend Stocks for May 2025 Seeking Alpha Read Now Undo Why CKD Patients Are More at Risk Research shows that nearly one in four people with chronic kidney disease suffer from RLS, with higher prevalence among those on hemodialysis. This increased risk is largely tied to iron deficiency, which is common in CKD patients due to factors like blood loss during dialysis, poor iron absorption, and ongoing inflammation. Brain imaging and spinal fluid analysis in people with RLS reveal low iron concentrations, particularly in areas that regulate dopamine—a chemical essential for muscle control. In kidney disease, both absolute and functional iron deficiencies are often seen. Patients tend to have reduced levels of ferritin and transferrin saturation, along with elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), indicating iron imbalance that may directly contribute to RLS symptoms. Recognising the Symptoms The symptoms of RLS vary in intensity but commonly include: Discomfort after sitting or lying down for long periods Temporary relief through leg movement or stretching Trouble falling or staying asleep due to nighttime symptoms Involuntary leg movements during sleep Difficulty focusing and low mood due to sleep disruption In severe cases, these symptoms can appear more than twice a week, significantly affecting daily life and mental well-being. Causes Beyond Kidney Disease While many RLS cases are linked to CKD and iron deficiency, other health conditions also contribute. These include diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and neurological disorders involving dopamine pathways, such as Parkinson's disease. Genetics also play a role, as the condition is known to run in families. In some individuals, no specific cause can be identified. Managing RLS: Treatment and Lifestyle Support Though there is currently no cure for RLS, various treatments can help manage symptoms. Addressing iron deficiency through supplementation, where appropriate, is often a primary focus in CKD patients. Limiting stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco—especially in the evening—can also reduce symptom flare-ups. Other helpful strategies include: Establishing a consistent and calming bedtime routine Taking warm baths or using heating pads and ice packs Trying leg massages or gentle stretching before bed Using devices such as vibration pads or pressure wraps for temporary relief For patients with CKD, early identification and management of RLS can significantly improve sleep and overall well-being. Monitoring iron levels and treating deficiencies proactively is key in reducing symptom burden and improving quality of life.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Kidney health and Restless Legs Syndrome explained: Symptoms, causes, and cure
A recent study has identified chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients—especially those undergoing dialysis—as a group at significantly higher risk of developing Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The research highlights that RLS symptoms are highly prevalent in this population and are closely associated with iron deficiency, a condition frequently seen in CKD due to chronic inflammation, poor dietary intake, and blood loss. A 2016 meta-analysis found that nearly one in four CKD patients experiences RLS, with higher rates among those on hemodialysis. Further, brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid studies have shown lower iron concentrations in certain areas in RLS patients, suggesting that central, rather than peripheral, iron deficiency is more relevant to symptom development. In CKD, this imbalance is often worsened by dialysis-related blood loss and systemic inflammation. The study further noted that CKD patients with RLS had lower levels of serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and serum iron, along with elevated TIBC, pointing to both absolute and functional iron deficiency. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and iron-targeted therapy in managing RLS symptoms and improving overall quality of life in CKD patients. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)? Restless Legs Syndrome—also called Willis-Ekbom Disease—is a neurological and sensory condition characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. It typically occurs during periods of rest or inactivity, especially in the evening or at night, making it a sleep-disrupting disorder. The condition tends to worsen in the evening and improves with movement. People often describe the sensations as aching, itching, throbbing, crawling, or pulling in the legs. Though it mostly affects the legs, it can occasionally impact the arms too. Signs and symptoms of RLS RLS symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Some of its key features include: Discomfort after resting: Symptoms typically start when you're sitting or lying down for long periods, for example during a long drive, or while watching a move in a theatre. Relief with movement: Stretching, pacing, or leg simple movement helps temporarily improve the symptoms. Worse at night: Many experience trouble falling or staying asleep. Night time twitching: RLS may be associated with another, more common condition called periodic limb movement of sleep, wherein the legs twitch and kick during sleep, possibly throughout the night. Impact on mood and focus: Chronic fatigue, depression, and difficulty concentrating are common. In severe cases, RLS symptoms occur more than twice a week and can interfere with work, social life, and mental health. What causes RLS? Often, there's no known cause for restless legs syndrome. However several contributing factors have been identified. Genetics appear to play a role, as RLS often runs in families. One of the most significant medical links is iron deficiency, especially low levels of iron in the brain, which interferes with dopamine production—an essential chemical for smooth muscle control. RLS is also frequently seen in people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, and peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, problems in the brain's dopamine pathways, similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, have been associated with RLS. Managing RLS: What helps? Currently there is no cure for RLS but its symptoms can often be managed with the right combination of treatment and lifestyle adjustments. The first step towards tackling the issue is to address and acknowledge underlying conditions like iron deficiency, diabetes, or sleep apnea. People with RLS are often advised to avoid or limit their intake of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, especially in the evening. In order to reduce the nighttime symptoms, it has been observed that Creating a regular sleep routine and maintaining a calming bedtime environment has a positive effect on the body. Further, warm baths, leg massages, or the use of heating pads and ice packs also give relief. Some devices like vibration pads or specially designed foot wraps that apply gentle pressure have also proved to provide temporary relief. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
