Link between restless leg syndrome and kidney disease found in new research. Who are at risk? Check symptoms
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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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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.
