Restless-Leg Syndrome Among Adolescents: Impact on Sleep Quality, Mood, and Academic Performance

Objective Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent but frequently underrecognized neurological sleep disorder. It presents as an irresistible urge to move legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations. More than 25% of those affected report onset of symptoms between 10–20 years of age. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of RLS among adolescents and its association with sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, mood, and academic performance.Methods The study was conducted among school-going adolescents aged 10–19 years after obtaining approvals from school authorities, informed assent, and parental consent. They were assessed for sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, symptoms of RLS, and mood fluctuations using validated tools.Result Among 2,289 adolescents with a mean age of 13.85 ± 1.92 years; (50.19% female), 29.18% (668) experienced restless leg sensations at night or during evening relaxation. Students with RLS reported poorer sleep quality (5.52 ± 2.70), increased daytime sleepiness (15.44 ± 5.31; p < .001), and a higher risk of depression (OR = 1.678; p < .001), anxiety (OR = 1.514; p < .001), and stress (OR = 1.706; p < .001). Mood derangements were significantly higher in both young (≤14 yrs) and old adolescents (>14 yrs) with RLS. Academically, students with RLS had lower scores in science (p = .033) in Grades 6–10 and in English (p = .018), mathematics (p = .035), economics (p = .026), and overall scores (p = .013) among commerce stream students of higher secondary school.Conclusion RLS-related sleep difficulties and circadian issues combine with age-based circadian changes, leading to varied outcomes across the adolescent developmental spectrum.