Restless Legs Syndrome, Sleep Quality and Fatigue in Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVE: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common condition in hemodialysis patients and can lead to both insomnia and fatigue. This study examines the relationship between RLS, sleep quality and fatigue in hemodialysis patients.

MATERIAL and METHODS: The population of this cross-sectional study included 360 patients on hemodialysis treatment. 61 patients of study group were diagnosed with RLS due to criteria of International RLS study group. 50 patients of study group without RLS were evaluated as the control group of study. Data were collected from the patient data charts; International RLS study group criteria severity scale intended for determining the severity of RLS in patients with RLS; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) and the Piper Fatigue Scale (PFS) were used.

RESULTS: RLS was found in 17.8% (n=61) of patients and the mean severity score was 22.5 ± 8.1. The RLS group was found to have a PSQI score of 10.8±4.8, an ESS score of 6.5±4.3 and a PFS score of 5.8±2.4 whereas the control group was found to have scores of 6.4±3.8,3.7±3.2and 3.3±2.2 respectively (p=0.0001).

CONCLUSION: RLS associated with chronic renal failure, both increase the fatigue of patients and adversely affect the quality of sleep.