0707 Erectile Dysfunction in Restless Legs Syndrome

• Published in: Sleep (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 47; no. Supplement_1; pp. A302 - A303
• Main Authors: Kim, Geun Yeong, Bang, Sung Jo, Kim, Keun Tae, Cho, Yong Won
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.04.2024
• ISSN: 0161-8105; 1550-9109
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsae067.0707

Abstract Introduction Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder characterized by uncomfortable dysesthesia and the urge to move the legs, particularly during sleep. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition of inability to get or maintain sufficient firmness to have satisfactory sexual intercourse. This study aims to investigate the ED using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in RLS patients. Methods This is a prospective study at a university hospital in South Korea. From May 2021 to August 2023, all male subjects who underwent overnight polysomnography were asked to complete a series of sleep questionnaires including Insomnia severity index (ISI), Beck's depression inventory (BDI), Beck's anxiety inventory (BAI), Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Short-form 36 (SF-36), and IIEF. Results A total of 74 and 107 subjects of RLS and controls were included in this study, respectively. Excluding 29 who haven't had sex in the past month, 58 RLS and 94 controls were analyzed. There was no difference in mean age between RLS (52.38±14.39) and controls (53.21±15.07) (p=0.767). The total score of IIEF was 15.31±5.73 in RLS and 17.77±6.26 in control (p=0.010). RLS had lower body mass index than controls (25.39±3.41 vs. 27.54±4.23, p=0.010); however, no difference in BDI (14.22±7.71 vs.13.80±11.96, p=0.391), BAI (10.90±8.29 vs. 9.50±12.53, p=0.267), and apnea-hypopnea index (16.39±24.95 vs. 13.63±16.01, p=0.523). RLS had a higher score in insomnia (ISI: 15.62±6.79 vs. 5.70±5.04, p< 0.001), more daytime somnolence (ESS: 7.97±4.33 vs. 4.58±2.71, p< 0.001), lower quality of sleep (PSQI: 12.59±4.22 vs. 6.81±3.53, p< 0.001). RLS showed lower mental health (SF-36 mental health: 62.91±17.75 vs. 73.75±11.05, p=0.014), although there was no difference in SF-36 total score. Conclusion This is the first study that evaluated ED in patients with RLS. The subjects with RLS showed poorer sleep quality and lower IIEF scores than the controls. This study suggests an association between RLS and erectile dysfunction. Support (if any)