Overview

• SEN estimates nearly 2 million people in Spain have restless legs syndrome, with up to 90% potentially undiagnosed, and at least a quarter report onset in childhood with the most severe cases often starting before age 20.
• Core features include uncomfortable sensations at rest that trigger an urge to move, symptoms that worsen at night, and temporary relief with movement.
• Sleep disruption is common and is linked to daytime somnolence, fatigue, anxiety and depression, with Latin American workplace studies tying the disorder to impaired concentration and decision-making.
• Causes remain uncertain but are associated with genetic factors, iron deficiency and dopaminergic changes, and with conditions such as kidney failure, diabetes, pregnancy, neuropathies, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis; caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and some antidepressants, antihistamines and dopamine‑blocking drugs can aggravate symptoms.
• There is no cure, but management includes correcting underlying contributors, lifestyle measures and individualized medication for frequent or severe symptoms.