Lifestyle factors associated with symptoms suggestive of restless legs syndrome in Korean adolescents

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep disorder among adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the lifestyle factors and sleep disturbances associated with the symptoms suggestive of RLS in Korean adolescents. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated a total of 25,789 adolescents (mean age, 15.8 ± 1.7 years; male, 48.5 %). The presence of symptoms suggestive of RLS was assessed with a single question about RLS in the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of lifestyle factors and sleep disturbances that were independently associated with adolescent RLS. The prevalence of RLS-suggestive symptoms was 5.1 % among adolescents. After adjustment, lifestyle factors associated with symptoms suggestive of RLS were occasional alcohol consumption (OR, 1.245; 95 % CI, 1.006–1.540) and proneness to Internet addiction (OR, 1.027; 95 % CI, 1.021–1.033). Bedtime behaviors associated with RLS-suggestive symptoms were sleeping with a doll or pet (OR, 1.194; 95 % CI, 1.032–1.381) and sleeping with a TV or radio on (OR, 1.366; 95 % CI, 1.156–1.614). Male sex, frequent snoring and witnessed apnea, perceived sleep insufficiency, excessive daytime sleepiness were also associated with RLS-suggestive symptoms in adolescents. Adolescents with symptoms suggestive of RLS were associated with different lifestyle factors compared to adults with RLS. Further research is needed to determine the clinical implications of lifestyle factors in adolescent RLS. •The prevalence of RLS-suggestive symptoms was 5.1 % among Korean adolescents.•Occasional drinking and proneness to internet addiction were associated with RLS symptoms.•Bedtime behaviors, such as sleeping with a TV or radio on, were associated with adolescent RLS symptoms.