Restless Legs Syndrome: Prevention

To prevent restless legs syndrome (RLS), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors.

Behavioral risk factors

  • Diet
    • Micronutrient deficiency (vital substances) – iron deficiency; see Prevention with micronutrients.
  • Pleasure food consumption
    • Alcohol
    • Coffee
    • Tobacco (smoking)
  • Drug use
  • Sleep deprivation – this can have an acute exacerbating effect on restless legs syndrome

Medication

Prevention factors

  • Genetic factors:
    • Genetic risk reduction depending on gene polymorphisms:
      • Genes/SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism):
        • Gene: BTBD9
        • SNP: rs3923806 in gene BTBD9
          • Allele constellation: AG (0.57-fold).
          • Allele constellation: AA (0.32-fold)