Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Restless legs syndrome affects nearly 2 percent of US/UK children

Restless legs syndrome affects nearly 2 percent of US/UK children

August 23, 2007

Restless legs syndrome is a common problem in children 8 years of age and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, according to a new report from an international team of researchers.

Nearly 2 percent of children aged 8 to 17 are affected, and a significant proportion of those experience moderate to severe symptoms, including sleep disturbance and negative moods. The report appears in the August issue of the journal Pediatrics.




"This study suggests that restless legs syndrome is common and troublesome in children and adolescents, occurring more frequently than diabetes and epilepsy," said principal investigator Daniel Picchietti, a professor of pediatrics in the University of Illinois College of Medicine and a pediatrician and sleep medicine specialist with the Carle Clinic Association and Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Ill.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sleep disorder characterized by sensations in the legs that create an urge to move. Symptoms are typically worse at night and during rest. RLS is closely associated with another condition, periodic limb movement disorder, in which a person's legs jerk during sleep. Some people with periodic limb movement disorder also have RLS. Others lack the sensations in the legs that typify RLS.

Most of what is known about restless legs syndrome comes from research on adults. The new analysis is the first population-based prevalence study of RLS in children, and it is the first to use specific pediatric diagnostic criteria. The research team collected detailed data from 10,523 families in the U.S. and U.K.

The new study affirmed that there is a strong genetic component to RLS, Picchietti said. More than 70 percent of the children with RLS had at least one parent with the condition. In 16 percent of the affected children, both parents had RLS symptoms.

Two recent studies - appearing in July in the New England Journal of Medicine and in Nature Genetics - found genes associated with RLS.

"Restless legs syndrome runs in families. That is one of the major points of our study, and the discovery of associated genes really supports it," Picchietti said.

Awareness of RLS in adults is increasing (depictions of - and jokes about - RLS are appearing more frequently in popular culture). It is less recognized in children, however, and parents and clinicians sometimes dismiss children's complaints about unusual sensations in their legs as nothing more than "growing pains," Picchietti said.

Many adults diagnosed with RLS report that their symptoms began in childhood. In the early 1990s, Picchietti began to notice that some children who came to his office because they had trouble sleeping or paying attention in school had symptoms of RLS. But there was scant research on the prevalence of RLS in children.

The new study included a rigorous analysis of participants' reported symptoms, and excluded those who did not meet all of the National Institutes of Health criteria for diagnosing children with RLS. A child who had periodic limb movements during sleep and no other symptoms of RLS would not be counted, for example. A child who reported leg cramps or growing pains would not be included unless he or she met all of the other diagnostic criteria for RLS.

Some parents are surprised to learn that conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression appear to be more common in those diagnosed with RLS. Sleep disturbance, by itself, is known to aggravate ADHD and depression, which may explain the association, Picchietti said. But there may also be other reasons for the association.

Picchietti described the new findings as a major step forward in understanding how many children are affected by RLS. "But this is not the final answer," he said. "While some children with RLS had significant sleep disturbance and daytime symptoms, others did not. Which children would benefit from treatment and what those treatments should be are important issues to be addressed. Much more study is needed."

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign



Related Restless Legs Syndrome Current Events and Restless Legs Syndrome News Articles Restless Legs Syndrome Current Events and Restless Legs Syndrome News RSS Restless Legs Syndrome Current Events and Restless Legs Syndrome News RSS
Seizure drug enhances sleep for women with hot flashes
Gabapentin, a drug initially used to treat seizures, improves sleep quality in menopausal women with hot flashes, University of Rochester Medical Center researchers report online and in the September issue of the Journal of Women's Health.

Mayo Clinic researchers find first potential pathogenic mutation for restless legs syndrome
An international team of researchers led by scientists at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida have found what they believe is the first mutated gene linked to restless legs syndrome, a common neurologic disorder.

ADHD genes found, known to play roles in neurodevelopment
Pediatric researchers have identified hundreds of gene variations that occur more frequently in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than in children without ADHD.

Snoring pregnant women at higher risk for gestational diabetes
If you are pregnant and your mate complains your frequent snoring is rattling the bedroom windows, you may have bigger problems than an annoyed, sleep-deprived partner.

Mayo Clinic Researchers Suspect a Novel Gene is Causing Restless Legs Syndrome in a Large Family
In 2005, a woman who had trouble sleeping asked Siong-Chi Lin, M.D., for help. Dr. Lin, a sleep disorders specialist at the Mayo Clinic campus in Florida, diagnosed restless legs syndrome.

Pregnancy-related hormonal changes linked to increased risk of restless legs syndrome
A study in the Feb. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that the elevation in estradiol levels that occurs during pregnancy is more pronounced in pregnant women with restless legs syndrome (RLS) than in controls.

JCSM: A single subjective question can be an effective sleepiness screening tool
A single subjective (SS) question may be an effective screening tool for excessive daytime sleepiness, according to a study published in the April 15 issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (JCSM).

AASM statement on use of sleep medications
Insomnia occurs when people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and it is a common sleep compliant. While a brief case of insomnia can arise due to temporary stress, excitement or other emotion, more than 20 million Americans report having a chronic form of insomnia that keeps them from sleeping well nearly every night.

Restless legs syndrome doubles risk of stroke and heart disease
People with restless legs syndrome (RLS) are twice as likely to have a stroke or heart disease compared to people without RLS, and the risk is greatest in those with the most frequent and severe symptoms.

Altered sex hormone levels, higher body temp affects sleep quality in postmenopausal women
In an examination of potential relationships between objective sleep measures, nocturnal sex hormone levels, and the nocturnal course of body temperature of older postmenopausal women.
More Restless Legs Syndrome Current Events and Restless Legs Syndrome News Articles
Restless Legs Syndrome: Coping with Your Sleepless Nights (American Academy of Neurology)

Restless Legs Syndrome: Coping with Your Sleepless Nights (American Academy of Neurology)
by M.D. Mark J. Buchfuhrer (Author), M.D. Wayne A. Hening Ph.D (Author), M.D. Clete A. Kushida Ph.D (Author)

The hallmark of the neurologic disorder RLS is an irresistible urge to move, most commonly at night. Symptoms vary in severity and can result in sleeplessness, fatigue, and impaired function, and can affect families and relationships as well. Written by leaders in this field and sponsored by the American Academy of Neurology, Restless Legs Syndrome explains what is known about RLS, including its causes and manifestations, and what can be done to manage it. Specific chapters cover treatments, including drug and non-pharmalogic therapy, RLS in children, lifestyle changes, resources, and more.

Restless Legs Syndrome: Relief and Hope for Sleepless Victims of a Hidden Epidemic

Restless Legs Syndrome: Relief and Hope for Sleepless Victims of a Hidden Epidemic
by Robert Yoakum (Author)

Within these pages is the promise of a long-awaited good night's rest.

For decades, millions of people have experienced the irresistible urge to move their legs without understanding why. These disagreeable leg sensations get worse with inactivity, making sitting still and sleep painful and sometimes impossible. If you hold this book, you or someone you love has most likely lived with this constant discomfort, this agitated inability to rest -- restless legs syndrome. You are not alone.

According to the American Medical Association, 10 to 15 percent of adult Americans have the neurological disorder known as restless legs syndrome. This underdiagnosed and treatable condition can completely overwhelm a person's life, causing stress, sleep deprivation, career difficulties, and...

Coping with Restless Leg Syndrome (Home Use)

Coping with Restless Leg Syndrome (Home Use)

Part of the award winning public television series Healthy Body/Healthy Mind. Millions of men, women and children with a condition known as Restless Leg Syndrome - or RLS - experience irresistible and unpleasant urges to move their legs. The disorder often disrupts their sleep, creating a domino effect that severely impacts work, relationships and health. But, as we see in this program, lifestyle changes and medications can help many people cope with RLS.

This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.



Restless Legs Syndrome: The RLS Rebel's Survival Guide

Restless Legs Syndrome: The RLS Rebel's Survival Guide
by Jill Gunzel (Author)

Do you feel an irresistible urge to move when you need to be still? Do you call the urges heebee jeebees, ants crawling under your skin, spider webs on your legs, electric feelings, growing pains, or crazy legs? If so, you may be an RLSer (a person who has Restless Legs Syndrome).

If you want to be still through movies, long plane rides, hospital stays, or long days of working at your desk, read Restless Legs Syndrome: The RLS Rebel's Survival Guide. You will learn to organize and develop effective ways to:

Fight the "beast of RLS"

Decrease the severity of your RLS

Prevent RLS attacks

Develop a Bag of Tricks Approach

Develop team work with your doctor

Help children who have RLS

Communicate with RLS supporters.

Native Remedies LegCalm for Limb Health and Peaceful Nights

Native Remedies LegCalm for Limb Health and Peaceful Nights
by Native Remedies

LegCalm is a 100% natural, safe and proven compound remedy with herbal and homeopathic ingredients for calm, rested limbs during sleep. LegCalm helps maintain circulatory health and normal, restful sleep with peaceful limbs throughout the night. LegCalm is a 100% safe and effective natural remedy for treating Restless Leg Syndrome and Periodic Limb Movement. Presented in convenient capsule form, regular use can help to relieve the symptoms of these troublesome sleep disorders as well as address the underlying causes. Use LegCalm to treat Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and reduce Periodic Limb Movement (PLM); eliminate the crawling and uncomfortable sensations experienced in RLS; prevent night-time twitching, restlessness and muscle spasms; promote more restful and uninterrupted sleep;...

MagniLife Restless Legs Syndrome Cream

MagniLife Restless Legs Syndrome Cream
by CloseoutZone

Get welcome relief from the cramps, twitches, and spasms of restless leg syndrome with our Restless Leg Cream.

End the disruption of your rest and sleep quickly and easily with this scientifically formulated cream. Combining essential oils, antioxidants, aloe, and other natural ingredients plus the calming effect of benzocaine, it interrupts the jumpy, jittery movement and unwanted skin sensations such as burning, prickling, and tingling.

Fragrance free. Non-greasy. 4 oz. jar.

Sleep Thief: Restless Legs Syndrome

Sleep Thief: Restless Legs Syndrome
by Virginia N. Wilson (Author), David Buchholz (Author), Arthur S. Walters (Editor)

A guide to the current treatment and ways to cope for those whose sleep and ability to sit quietly are mysteriously stolen every evening. Although written for the lay public and victims of RLS, it may also be of interest to physicians who are baffled by this rest robber.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome
Jb (Primary Contributor)



Restless Legs Syndrome (Oxford Neurology Library)

Restless Legs Syndrome (Oxford Neurology Library)
by K Ray Chaudhuri (Author), Luigi Ferini-Strambi (Author), David Rye (Author)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as Ekbom syndrome, is a common movement disorder with sensorimotor symptoms occurring during sleep and quiet wakefulness. Yoakum described RLS as the "most common disorder you've never heard of" and this may, unfortunately, be an appropriate description of RLS. The term "restless leg syndrome" was first introduced by Karl-Axel Ekbom, a Swedish neurologist and surgeon in 1945. RLS can present itself in primary are and secondary care, across a range of specialties, such as psychiatry, rheumatology, and sleep medicine, and in the UK, the condition remains under-recognized and often regarded as a neurosis in spite of evidence that RLS adversely affects quality of life. Inappropriate clinical history taking leads to misdiagnosis and under diagnosis and...

Restless Legs Syndrome Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad

Restless Legs Syndrome Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad
by MyHeritageWear.com

The Restless Legs Syndrome Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Restless Legs Syndrome Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Restless Legs Syndrome Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness!

© 2009 BrightSurf.com