Chronic Sleep Disorder's Genetic Basis Discovered

In a statement released on Wednesday, scientists at Iceland's deCODE Genetics in collaboration with colleagues from Emory University announced a genetic breakthrough in pinpointing those at higher risk for developing Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements (PLM).

It was found that both Icelandic and United States patients possessing a single letter marker on a gene on chromosome 6 correlated with a 70-80% higher risk factor for developing RLS or PLM, which is also associated by studies with coming on as a result of low levels of iron in the body.

RLS, which receives a lot of media attention, is thought to be a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs which results in an overwhelming feeling of the need to move the legs around while resting to try to alleviate the feelings. RLS sensations are typically described by people as burning, creeping, pulling, or like bugs crawling around on the insides of the legs. The severity of the feelings ranges from discomforting to excruciatingly painful.

The most distinctive or unusual trait of the condition is that the sensations are triggered by lying down and trying to relax. Consequently, most people with RLS have a very hard time falling asleep and staying asleep, so that they experience exhaustion and daytime fatigue.

Many people with RLS say that their work, personal relationships, and daily activities are negatively affected in a pronounced way because of their exhaustion. They are often unable to focus, experience memory lapses, and can't accomplish routine work assignments or their own household chores.

Some researchers have estimated that RLS affects up to 12 million Americans. However, others believe it is much more common than that, because RLS is thought to go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed a good deal of the time.