Restless Legs Syndrome: Risk Factors and Who's Most Affected
People at increased risk of developing RLS include those who:
- Are women: Women are more likely to have RLS than men, and symptoms often begin or worsen during pregnancy.
- Are older: RLS becomes more common with age.
- Have a family history: RLS appears to run in families, suggesting a possible genetic component.
- Have iron deficiency: Low levels of iron can sometimes contribute to RLS.
- Have other medical conditions: RLS is sometimes associated with diabetes, kidney failure, Parkinson's disease and peripheral neuropathy.
- Use or stop using certain medications: Some drugs — including antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines and certain medications used to treat nausea and vomiting — can worsen RLS symptoms. Suddenly stopping use of certain drugs used for sleep or anxiety may also be associated with RLS.
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