A study of the correlation between magnesium and ferritin levels and the severity of the disease and sleep quality in restless legs syndrome

Background/Aim: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a chronic neurological disease that impairs sleep quality, causes emotional stress and affects daily activities. While the association between disease severity and low iron and ferritin levels is known, the magnesium (Mg) results are contradictory. This study aimed to investigate the influence of low Mg and ferritin levels on the severity of the disease and sleep quality. Methods: A case-control study included 50 RLS patients aged 18–78 years and 50 healthy control patients. Mg and ferritin levels were measured, considering values below <1.8 mg/dL and 75 ng/mL as low. Both groups completed the International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Rating Scale (IRLSSG) to assess the severity of RLS, as well as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to evaluate subjective sleep quality. Results: The mean age of RLS patients and the control group was 47.06 (13.35) years and 43.30 (15.43) years, respectively (P=0.196). The RLS patients had an IRLSSG score of 25.16 (6.85). The PSQI total scores, subscale scores, and ESS scores of RLS patients were significantly higher than those of the control group. However, no significant difference was observed in the IRLSSG score, PSQI, and ESS scores based on Mg and ferritin levels. Sleep latency was found to be shorter in individuals with Mg deficiency. Conclusion: Sleep disorders are prevalent among RLS patients. No correlation was found between Mg and ferritin levels and disease severity or sleep disorders. Furthermore, Mg deficiency did not appear to exacerbate the IRLSSG score or sleep disorder scores.