Familial and Genetic Factors of Restless Legs Syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a common sleep-related movement disorder with heritability estimates of about 50%. RLS is a complex genetic disorder where genetic and environmental factors are contributing to the phenotype. Population-based association studies have identified genomic loci containing causally related genes. Their role in RLS pathophysiology still remains to be determined and will shed light on the etiology of the disease in near future.