A Bel Marra Health report examines the connection between fibromyalgia and sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless legs syndrome.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that those with fibromyalgia also have higher incidences of restless legs syndrome. The research suggests that treatment for RLS can be beneficial for treating fibromyalgia as well.
Within the study group, rates of restless legs syndrome were 10 times greater in those with fibromyalgia compared to the control group. After adjusting for other factors that could contribute to RLS the association still remained between RLS and fibromyalgia.
Contributing author Dr. Nathaniel F. Watson said, “Sleep disruption is common in fibromyalgia, and often difficult to treat. It is apparent from our study that a substantial portion of sleep disruption in fibromyalgia is due to restless legs syndrome.”
Researchers found treatment of RLS improved quality of life and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. Dr. Watson added, “Since restless legs syndrome is a treatable condition, diagnosing and treating RLS in fibromyalgia patients has the potential to improve their sleep.”
