The Relationship Between Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Sleep Quality Among Pregnant Women

Yurika Aprinade; Yanti Puspita Sari; Rahmi Mutia

doi:10.25077/njk.v22i2.458

Authors

Yurika Aprinade Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
Yanti Puspita Sari Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
Rahmi Mutia Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25077/njk.v22i2.458

Keywords:

Pregnant Women, Restless Legs Syndrome, Sleep Quality

Abstract

Sleep disturbances remain a common complaint among pregnant women. If left untreated, this condition can reduce sleep quality and impact the health of both the mother and the fetus. One sleep disorder that is often undiagnosed is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), which is an urge to move the legs, especially at night, which can disrupt sleep. This study aims to analyze the relationship between RLS and sleep quality in pregnant women in the Lubuk Begalung Community Health Center, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional design, involving 132 pregnant women selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the International Restless Legs Syndrome (IRLS) Rating Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study found that 62.1% of pregnant women had poor sleep quality, with an average sleep quality score of 7.27 (minimum score of 3 and maximum of 15) out of a total PSQI score range of 0-21. The prevalence of RLS in pregnant women was 28%, and the majority of pregnant women with RLS experienced moderate symptoms (67.6%). The Spearman rank test results showed p<0.001 and correlation coefficient r=0.541, indicating a significant positive correlation between Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and sleep quality, with moderate strength. Healthcare professionals should enhance education on education regarding sleep hygiene, RLS symptoms, its causes and risk factors, and encourage light activities such as stretching to reduce discomfort caused by RLS.

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