Prevalence of Willis-Ekbom Disease/Restless Legs Syndrome DuringPregnancy: A Review

Abstract

Willis-Ekbom Disease/Restless Legs Syndrome (WED/RLS), a disorder frequently unrecognized and under diagnosed during pregnancy, may affect one out of every three women in this population. Symptoms can lead to disrupted sleep and adversely affect daytime alertness and performance. The exact prevalence of WED/RLS during pregnancy is unknown, largely due to lack of standardization for assessment of the disorder. We present a review of articles examining this, so clinicians can appreciate assessment and treatment of the up to 34% of pregnant women who may suffer from WED/RLS and its consequences.