중년여성에서 하지불안증후군 증상, 수면장애와 우울과의 관계 연구

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate relationships between the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), sleep disturbance and depression among middle-aged women. Methods: The study took a descriptive approach. A self-reported questionnaire was provided to women aged between 45 and 65 living in community area. The data were analyzed via SPSS program (version 25). Results: 47.8% of the respondents showed moderate to severe RLS symptoms and the severity of RLS symptoms was 10.72. Depression score was 13.12 and sleep disturbance score was 4.97. There was a significant correlation between RLS symptoms and sleep disturbance (r=.423, p<.001), and RLS symptoms had a positive impact on sleep disturbance. There was also a significant correlation between RLS symptoms and depression (r=.494, p<.001) and RLS symptoms also had a positive impact on depression. Conclusion: Women with RLS symptoms had more severe sleep disturbance, depression and vasomotor syndrome than those without RLS symptoms. If RLS symptoms among middle-aged women is simply diagnosed as a menopausal symptom, this misdiagnosis can lead to sleep disorder and depression. Therefore, further empirical researches should be done to estimate the prevalence of RLS symptoms and to launch a program to detect RLS at the early stage.