Psoriasis Patients Face Increased Risk of Restless Leg Syndrome: Study

A recent study published in the Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology journal revealed a significant link between psoriasis and restless leg syndrome (RLS). The findings highlight that patients with psoriasis are more likely to experience RLS, which exacerbates their condition by worsening sleep quality, impairing daily life, and increasing disease severity. 

The research from March to July 2024 involved a total of 212 participants, where 106 patients diagnosed with psoriasis and 106 healthy controls. Using standardized diagnostic tools, the study found that RLS was far more prevalent in psoriasis patients than in the general population.

According to the International Restless Leg Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria, RLS was diagnosed more frequently in the psoriasis group than in the healthy controls. The patients with both conditions reported poorer sleep, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and experienced a substantial reduction in their quality of life, evaluated through the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Also, the severity of psoriasis was assessed using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with results indicating that the patients who also suffered from RLS had significantly more severe psoriasis symptoms. The study observed a strong positive correlation between PASI scores and the severity of RLS which meant that as the psoriasis worsened, RLS symptoms became more intense.

The patients with co-existing psoriasis and RLS underwent greater difficulty maintaining restful sleep and reported a heavier burden on their everyday activities. Poor sleep quality is already a common concern for those with psoriasis, but the presence of RLS compounds this issue, making it even harder to achieve restorative rest.

This disrupted sleep cycle further impacts the quality of life, increasing fatigue, emotional distress, and overall discomfort. The study underlined how the combined burden of these conditions can create a vicious cycle, where worsening psoriasis aggravates RLS and vice versa.

Given these significant findings, the study emphasizes the importance of early screening for RLS in patients with psoriasis. By using the IRLSSG criteria, physicians could detect and address RLS symptoms early, improving patient outcomes. Timely intervention may help break the cycle of worsening symptoms and improve both physical and psychological well-being.

Overall, these findings advocate for incorporating RLS screening into routine care for psoriasis patients, particularly in Asian populations where data on this co-occurrence has been limited. Such proactive measures could lead to better sleep, improved disease management, and improved overall quality of life.

Source:

Nguyen, C., Nguyen, N., & Van, T. (2025). Restless legs syndrome in psoriasis: A multicenter study on its prevalence, severity, and impact on patients. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 18, 367–378. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s502902