MS and Restless Legs: Twice the Risk, What to Do

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Key Takeaway

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are about twice as likely as others to have restless legs syndrome (RLS), a treatable condition that can make sleep and daily life harder.

What They Found

Researchers checked 440 people with MS and 241 similar people without MS for restless legs symptoms. They used a two-step approach: a questionnaire first, and then a sleep doctor interview to confirm the diagnosis, because questionnaires can give wrong positives (like a false alarm). After the doctor check, 15% of people with MS had RLS, while the questionnaire alone would have said nearly 20%, showing the need for expert confirmation. People with MS were roughly twice as likely to have RLS as the control group, meaning RLS is more common in MS than in the general population. The study also found that having family members with RLS and having damage to the 'pyramidal tract' (a nerve pathway that helps control movement) were linked to higher chances of RLS in people with MS.

Who Should Care and Why

MS patients and their caregivers should care because RLS can cause uncomfortable urges to move the legs and restless sleep, which can worsen fatigue and make daily symptoms harder to manage. Doctors and sleep specialists should notice RLS more in people with MS, since treating RLS can improve sleep and quality of life—like fixing a noisy neighbor so you can sleep better. Caregivers who notice evening leg discomfort, twitching, or trouble falling asleep should mention it to the healthcare team; these are clues that RLS might be present. People with a family history of RLS or with MS-related movement pathway problems (pyramidal tract issues) should be especially alert because their risk is higher. Knowing about RLS matters because it is often treatable with medicines or behavioral changes, which can make daily life and MS symptom management easier.

Important Considerations

The study was done at one hospital and used interviews, so results might be different in other places or groups of people. Questionnaires alone overestimate RLS—about 22% of people flagged by the questionnaire did not have RLS when a specialist evaluated them—so a sleep specialist’s confirmation is important. The study shows links (associations) but cannot prove that MS causes RLS or explain the exact reason why they happen together.

Categories:

Specific Symptoms Living with MS Mental Wellness

Article Topics:

Associated factorsDiagnosis confirmationMultiple sclerosisPrevalenceRestless legs syndrome

Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or are seeking to broaden your understanding of this complex, neurodegenerative disease, navigating the latest research can feel overwhelming. Studies published in respected medical journals like Journal of neurology often range from early-stage, exploratory work to advanced clinical trials. These evidence-based findings help shape new disease-modifying therapies, guide symptom management techniques, and deepen our knowledge of MS progression.

However, not all research is created equal. Some clinical research studies may have smaller sample sizes, evolving methodologies, or limitations that warrant careful interpretation. For a more comprehensive, accurate understanding, we recommend reviewing the original source material—accessible via the More Details section above—and consulting with healthcare professionals who specialize in MS care.

By presenting a wide range of MS-focused studies—spanning cutting-edge treatments, emerging therapies, and established best practices—we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and clinicians to stay informed and make well-informed decisions when managing Multiple Sclerosis.

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