Association between restless legs syndrome and erectile dysfunction in Korean men: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to elucidate the potential association between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in a Korean cohort using validated diagnostic criteria and outcome measures.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary university hospital from May 2021 to August 2023. The study cohort comprised 47 newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve male patients with moderate to severe RLS. A control group of 80 age- and sex-matched healthy men without sleep disorders was also recruited. All participants underwent comprehensive sleep assessments and completed the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire to evaluate ED severity.

Results: The RLS group exhibited significantly lower IIEF scores compared to controls (15.32 ± 5.89 vs. 18.76 ± 5.96, p = 0.001). The prevalence of ED (IIEF score ≤21) was markedly higher in the RLS group (78.7 %) than in controls (52.5 %). Spearman correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between IIEF scores and age (r = - 0.42, p < 0.001), RLS severity (r = −0.38, p = 0.008), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (r = −0.45, p = 0.001), and Beck Anxiety Inventory scores (r = −0.36, p = 0.013). Multiple regression analysis identified age (β = −0.35, p = 0.006) and sleep quality (β = −0.29, p = 0.018) as independent predictors of ED severity in RLS patients.

Conclusion: This study provides compelling evidence of an association between RLS and ED. The findings underscore the importance of screening for sexual dysfunction in RLS patients to optimize overall quality of life.