Objectives:Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common among pregnant women, but it has not been documented in pregnant Saudi Arabian women. The main purpose of this study was to estimate the extent of the prevalence of RLS and identify both the associated factors and the associated risk factors among pregnant Saudi women.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh (KAMC-Riyadh) over the period from June 1 to November 1, 2014. We interviewed the participants and collected demographic data, number of pregnancies, duration of pregnancy, comorbidities, and symptoms of RLS. The diagnosis of RLS is based on the four criteria designated by the International RLS Study Group.Results:The total number of participants enrolled was 517, and the mean age was 30.11 ± 5.42 years. The prevalence of RLS was 21.3% (110/517) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.83%-25.06%). RLS symptoms were more common among women in the third trimester (24.1%) compared to the second trimester (14.3%) and first trimester (13.6%), P = 0.043. The stepwise multivariate logistic model identified insomnia (odds ratio [OR]: 3.6, 95% CI: 2.167–6.017, P = 0.001), and poor sleep quality (OR: 4.9, 95% CI: 1.473-16.454, P = 0.010) were associated with RLS.Conclusion:RLS occurs in two of ten pregnant women visiting obstetric clinics at KAMC-Riyadh and is strongly associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality. Studies are needed to explore the causality of these associations.

leep disturbances are a common occurrence in pregnant women. [1][2][3][4] The national Sleep Foundation estimates that 78% of women experience sleep disturbances during pregnancy. 5 Sleep disturbance issues occur in response to changes in normal sleep/wake patterns. excessive daytime sleepiness (edS), sleep deprivation, night waking, daytime napping, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome are the most common sleep disturbances reported by pregnant women. [1][2][3][4] edS, a symptom of diverse disorders and causes, is a disabling condition frequently described by pregnant women. an estimated 52-65% of women are affected by edS at some point during their pregnancy, and its prevalence is thought to increase as the pregnancy progresses. 2,3,5,6 according to the american academy of Sleep medicine, people with edS are unable to stay awake and alert during major waking episodes of the day, inappropriately dozing off at times when they should be awake. This behavior repeats daily for a minimum of three months. 7 In addition, patients may report severe tiredness, fatigue, and lack of energy. edS is a sleep disturbance known to impair daily functioning in all aspects of life (school, work, interpersonal relationships), and to negatively affect the quality of life. 8 Studies have shown that edS in pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and obstetric original article