Health · Public Health & Disease · 1 hr ago
Restless legs syndrome may disrupt sleep for one in 10 people
Willis-Ekbom disease, often called restless legs syndrome, may affect one in 10 people and can interfere with sleep.
People with the condition feel a strong urge to move their legs, often with tingling, burning or other unpleasant sensations.
About 80% also have repeated involuntary leg movements during sleep, which can happen several times in a night.
The cause is not well understood, though researchers suspect genetic factors, low iron or problems involving dopamine; stress, anxiety, smoking, alcohol and some medicines may raise the risk.
Disrupted sleep can lead to daytime tiredness, poor concentration and mood problems, including depression.
Regular bedtimes, moderate exercise, leg massage and warm baths may help, as can avoiding factors such as alcohol and tobacco.
People with persistent or severe symptoms should consult a doctor, who may recommend medication if other steps do not help.
Restless legs syndrome may affect one in 10 people and can disrupt sleep, according to franceinfo.
The condition, also called Willis-Ekbom disease, causes an uncontrollable urge to move the legs and unpleasant sensations.
About 80% of people with the syndrome also have repeated involuntary leg movements during sleep.
The resulting sleep disruption can contribute to daytime fatigue, concentration problems and mood difficulties.
The causes are not well understood, but possible factors include genetics, iron deficiency and problems involving dopamine.
- Who
- The article says the syndrome may affect one in 10 people.
- What
- Restless legs syndrome can cause unpleasant leg sensations, an urge to move and disrupted sleep.
- When
- The article was published on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- France; the article discusses the condition’s prevalence there.
- Why
- Its causes are not well understood. Possible factors include genetics, iron deficiency and problems involving dopamine.
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- Estimated prevalence
- 1 in 10 people
- Periodic leg movements
- About 80% of people with the syndrome
- Movement frequency
- Every 20 to 40 seconds
- Episode duration
- 5 to 20 minutes
- Publication date
- November 8, 2026