Effects of the Restless Legs Syndrome and Fatigue on Quality of Sleep in Perinatal Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine of the restless legs syndrome (RLS), fatigue and quality of sleep on perinatal women and to identify factors influencing quality of sleep. The participants of this research were 150 perinatal women visiting two women's clinics in G City between August 18 and October 30, 2021. For data collection, questionnaire survey was conducted to measure the levels of RLS, fatigue, sleep quality, and general characteristics. The collected data was analyzed descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS 27 Win. The subjects were 32.9 years old on average, and 55.4% of the participants (83 women) experienced a moderate or a very severe level of RLS. The quality of sleep was positively correlated with fatigue (r= .60, p<.001). The results of regression analysis showed that significant variables influencing the quality of sleep were 3rd trimester of pregnancy (B=1.86, p=.042) postpartum period (B=2.48, p=.042), moderate RLS (B=2.02, p=.049), severe RLS (B=2.89, p=.021), very severe RLS (B=5.82, p=.006) and was fatigue (B=0.39, p=.006). The explanation power of this regression model was 39.5%. In view of these results, it is necessary to develop nursing interventions that provide information and care for relieving symptoms of restless leg syndrome in perinatal women.