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Study Links Restless Leg Syndrome With Erectile Dysfunction in Older Men WESTCHESTER, Ill -- January 4, 2010 -- A study published in the January 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that erectile dysfunction is more common in older men with restless leg syndrome (RLS) than in those without RLS, and the magnitude of this association increased with a higher frequency of RLS symptoms. Results showed that erectile dysfunction was 16% more likely in men with RLS symptoms that occur 5 to 14 times per month (odds ratio [OR] = 1.16) and 78% more likely in men whose RLS symptoms occur 15 or more times a month (OR = 1.78). The associations were independent of age, body mass index, use of antidepressants, anxiety, and other possible risk factors for RLS. A total of 53% of RLS patients and 40% of participants without RLS reported having erectile dysfunction, which was defined as a poor or very poor ability to have and maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse. The results suggest it is likely that the 2 disorders share common mechanisms, said lead author Xiang Gao, MD, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts. “The mechanisms underlying the association between RLS and erectile dysfunction could be caused by hypofunctioning of dopamine in the central nervous system, which is associated with both conditions,” said Dr. Gao. Data were collected from 23,119 men who participated in the Health Professionals Follow-up study, a large ongoing US cohort of male dentists, optometrists, osteopaths, podiatrists, pharmacists, and veterinarians. Participants were aged 56 to 91 years, with a mean age of 69 years. To reduce possible misclassification of RLS, participants with diabetes and arthritis were excluded. Participants were questioned in 2002 about RLS diagnosis and severity based on the International RLS study group criteria. RLS was defined as having unpleasant leg sensations combined with restlessness and an urge to move; with symptoms appearing only at rest, improving with movement, worsening in the evening or at night compared with the morning, and occurring 5 or more times per month. About 4% of participants had RLS (944 of 23,119 men), and about 41% (9,433 men) had erectile dysfunction. Men with RLS were older and were more likely to be Caucasian. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction also increased with age. The authors noted that the association between RLS and erectile dysfunction also could be related in part to other sleep disorders that co-occur with RLS. For example, obstructive sleep apnoea and sleep deprivation may decrease circulating testosterone levels. They also pointed out that the cross-sectional design of the study did not allow for a determination of causality. Further epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the relationship between the RLS and erectile dysfunction and to explore the biological mechanisms underlying the association. SOURCE: American Academy of Sleep Medicine E-mail this page to a friend or colleague! To print, use this version