Demographic risk factors for the restless legs syndrome
Is the restless leg syndrome (RLS) inhered?
RLS runs in families especially if the RLS begins before the age of 40.
Researchers have identified a number of chromosomes that are associated with RLS. Genetics plays a massive role with 40% to 90% of individuals with RLS having at least one first-degree relative with the condition. Monozygotic twin concordance ranges between 54% and 83%.
A powerful landmark study, analyzing data from over 100,000 people with RLS, identifies 164 distinct genetic loci related to RLS. A number of genes (such as MEIS1, BTBD9, and PTPRD) found in RLS are involved in the embryonic development of the central nervous system (CNS). This finding has altered the view of researchers and clinicians from RLS being a random adult sleep issue to actually being a neurodevelopmental condition. It appears that the inherent vulnerabilities leading to RLS are genetically coded before birth although symptoms don't typically present until adulthood.
Figure 1: DNA strand
The MEIS1 gene is the single most strong genetic factor associated with RLS. MEIS1 is intrinsically linked to how the brain regulates iron and dopamine. Low iron (see "Iron" section) and low dopamine (see "Dopamine") increase the propensity for RLS.
Even though the genetic factor appears strong in RLS, it remains a polygenic disorder (a collection of genetic risks that add up).
Whether the presence of risk factor genes actually trigger symptoms depends greatly on environmental and biological influencers.
Does age affect the restless legs syndrome?
RLS can occur at any age even in children. Approximately 2% to 4% of children and adolescents (age 0 to 17) are affected by RLS. However, RLS is more likely to occur as age increases. In early adult years (age 20 to 44) the prevalence of RLS increases to approximately 5.5% to 7.1%. Most people are diagnosed with RLS after age 40. Mature adults and seniors (age 45 to 79) have a RLS prevalence of approximately 7.5% to 8.7%. This is the age bracket where the gender gap widens significantly with RLS becoming more prevalent in females. In addition to the higher prevalence in the older population there is also an increase in the severity of RLS with symptoms becoming more severe and frequent.
Figure 2: Age and gender differences influence RLS
Does gender influence the restless legs syndrome?
RLS is approximately twice as common in women. Prevalence of RLS in women is approximately 10% to 13% whilst in males the prevalence is approximately 5% to 8%. Higher RLS prevalence in women is often attributed to pregnancy. See "Does pregnancy cause restless legs syndrome" below). Other factors leading to RLS in women include iron deficiency (due to menstruation) and hormonal fluctuations. Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone have been linked to symptom onset and severity. This explains why many women first notice symptoms during puberty or pregnancy.
For more information on risk factors for RLS see the pages below:
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Medical disorders that are a risk factor for RLS
Last edited: 19/09/2026