The common sleep symptom that plagues 1 in 10 – and ‘increases your Parkinson’s risk by 60%’

PEOPLE who find themselves tossing and turning at night could be at risk of developing Parkinson’s, warn researchers.

A strong urge to move your legs, usually when resting in the evening, can be a sign of restless leg syndrome (RLS) – which has now been linked to the progressive neurological disease.

Getty

Restless leg syndrome causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs[/caption]

RLS affects approximately one in 10 people in the UK and mostly women, largely due to hormonal changes, like those during pregnancy and a higher prevalence of iron deficiency.

The condition is caused by a combination of factors, including a lack of iron and the brain chemical dopamine, and can be genetic or linked to underlying health conditions such as kidney disease. 

It triggers an overwhelming urge to move the legs, as well as uncomfortable sensations like tingling, burning, or a creepy-crawly feeling. 

These symptoms typically begin or worsen while resting, especially at night, and are temporarily relieved by movement.

Now, Korean researchers have discovered those with the condition could be up to 60 per cent more likely to develop Parkinson’s.

Earlier studies, including an analysis of almost 3.5 million US veterans, found those diagnosed with RLS were more than twice as likely to receive a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The goal of the new study was to clarify this association and determine whether dopaminergic pathway – the part of the brain linked to dopamine issues evident in Parkinson’s – played a role.

In their study, the researchers tracked almost 20,000 adults and found those with RLS who took dopamine agonists – medication such as pramipexole or ropinirole, which mimic dopamine activity in the brain – were less likely to develop Parkinson’s than those who didn’t.

Writing in the journal JAMA Network Open, they said: “Identifying risk factors for Parkinson’s disease and implementing early interventions are becoming increasingly important.“

They added it may be “more reasonable to interpret restless legs syndrome as a potential risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease, rather than an early manifestation”.

The study doesn’t imply that early use of dopamine agonists prevents or delays Parkinson’s disease, as the design was not powered to determine this.

But it could hint at a delay in symptoms or a potential neuroprotective effect that could be the subject of future research, the researchers added.

CAN YOU TREAT RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME?

TREATMENT for RLS depends on what’s causing it, says the NHS.

If another condition is causing it, treating that may help.

For example, you may need iron supplements if you have low levels of iron in your blood.

You may also be prescribed another medicine including pregabalin or gabapentin, painkillers such as codeine, or medicines to increase dopamine levels, such as co-careldopa or ropinirole, for occasional use or if other medicines haven’t worked.

The NHS also recommends things you can do to reduce the symptoms of RLS, including making changes to improve your sleep:

• exercise during the day
• try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
• make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet – use curtains, blinds, an eye mask or ear plugs if needed
• try having a warm bath or using heat pads on your legs before you go to bed
• try walking, stretching or massaging your legs when you’re having symptoms
• try doing things to distract yourself from your symptoms, such as reading or doing a game or puzzle
• get help to stop smoking

If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve, you may be referred to a specialist for more tests and treatment.