Restless-Leg Syndrome Among Adolescents: Impact on Sleep Quality, Mood, and Academic Performance.

OBJECTIVE

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent but frequently underrecognized neurological sleep disorder. It presents as an irresistible urge to move legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. More than 25% of those affected report onset of symptoms between 10-20 years of age. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of RLS among adolescents and its association with sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, mood, and academic performance.

METHODS

The study was conducted among school-going adolescents aged 10-19 years after obtaining approvals from school authorities, informed assent, and parental consent. They were assessed for sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of RLS, and mood fluctuations using validated tools.

RESULT: Among 2,289 adolescents with a mean age of 13.85 ± 1.92 years; (50.19% female), 29.18% (668) experienced restless leg sensations at night or during evening relaxation. Students with RLS reported poorer sleep quality (5.52 ± 2.70), increased daytime sleepiness (15.44 ± 5.31; p < .001), and a higher risk of depression (OR = 1.678; p < .001), anxiety (OR = 1.514; p < .001), and stress (OR = 1.706; p < .001). Mood derangements were significantly higher in both young (≤14 yrs) and old adolescents (>14 yrs) with RLS. Academically, students with RLS had lower scores in science (p = .033) in Grades 6-10 and in English (p = .018), mathematics (p = .035), economics (p = .026), and overall scores (p = .013) among commerce stream students of higher secondary school.

CONCLUSION

RLS-related sleep difficulties and circadian issues combine with age-based circadian changes, leading to varied outcomes across the adolescent developmental spectrum.