The Relationship Between Restless Legs Syndrome and Insomnia for the Staff in Shift

Objective: Shift work sleep disorder is a circadian rhythm disorder related to inconsistency between sleep-wake cycle and internal process of circadian rhythm. We evaluated the effect of shift work on restless legs syndrome (RLS) and insomnia.Method: In this study, we recruited 770 health care professionals working the in same hospital. The participants were divided into two groups: 385 - working daytime and 385 - night/daytime shift. Restless leg syndrome was assessed using 4 minimal criteria as defined by the International RLS Study Group and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: RLS was detected in 83 subjects (10.77%). 53 of them were shift workers, 30 of them were none-shift workers. It was found that subjective sleeping qualities, duration of falling asleep, total sleeping time, day time performance was more affected and total Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores were higher in shift workers. Poor sleep quality was observed in 14.08% of none-shift workers, in 22.2% of subjects working 5-7 over night shifts monthly, and in 87.18% with 8-10 night shifts monthly. Conclusion: RLS is a disorder, which is mostly seen in night shift workers, affects mood and social life of a person. Shift work is an important cause of circadian rhythm sleep disorder. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2012; 49: 281-285)