Correlation Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Anxiety Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common and treatable. It impairs sleep cycle and quality. The syndrome is characterized by lower extremity dysesthesias, especially at night, and an irrepressible urge to move the legs. Restless legs syndrome symptoms are sleep disturbance and can cause psychological anguish, mental illnesses, and a decline in well-being.

Methods: Cross sectional survey was done. 75 pregnant females who had 2nd and 3rd trimester were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria through non probability convenient sampling technique. Age between 22 to 45 years. Data was collected through restless leg syndrome rating scale and Hamilton anxiety rating scale. Data was compiled and analyzed by SPSS version 25. Chi square test was applied to correlate restless legs syndrome and anxiety.

Results: Results of current study showed that 75 pregnant females in which 41 had 2nd trimester, 34 had 3rd trimester had participated and their mean age was 28.66±4.93SD. According to RLS 15 females had mild, 22 had moderate RLS, and 28 had severe RLS while 8 had very severe RLS. According to HAM rating scale 5 females had anxiety symptoms, 25 had mild symptoms, 24 had moderate symptoms and 21 had severe symptoms. P value (0.000)

Conclusions: It is concluded that significant frequency of RLS was present in pregnant females. According to correlation there was significant correlation between RLS and anxiety because restless leg syndrome had significant impact on anxiety among pregnant females.