Experiences of sleep problems, subsequent daytime consequences, and self-care activities used to improve sleep among patients with restless legs syndrome: a qualitative content analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a prevalent neurological condition affecting daily life. Symptoms can vary and worsen during the evening and night, with sleep problems as a common consequence. Few, if any, qualitative studies have explored how patients with RLS experience their sleep problems.

Aim

The aim was to explore and describe how patients with RLS experience their sleep problems, the subsequent daytime consequences, and self-care activities used to improve sleep.

Methods

An inductive, descriptive, qualitative design was used, including semi-structured interviews with 28 strategically selected patients from a national RLS organisation. Data were analysed with manifest qualitative content analysis and reported according to the COREQ checklist.

Resul

SUBMITTER: Odzakovic E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12614896 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature