When someone is diagnosed with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), one of the first things a neurologist will ask is, “Does anyone else in your family complain about their legs at night?”
More often than not, the answer is yes. RLS is famously known to run in families. If you’ve spent years watching your mother or grandfather pace the floor at midnight, and now you are doing the same, you might be wondering: Is RLS entirely genetic?
Primary vs. Secondary RLS
To understand the genetics of RLS, you first have to understand that there are two main types of the condition:
- Secondary RLS: This type is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as iron deficiency, kidney disease, or neuropathy. It can also be triggered by pregnancy or certain medications. Secondary RLS does not typically have a strong genetic link. Fix the underlying issue, and the RLS usually improves.
- Primary (Idiopathic) RLS: This type has no obvious underlying medical cause. The nervous system simply misfires on its own. This is the type that is highly hereditary.
The Genetics of Familial RLS
If your RLS is Primary, the odds are very high that it is genetic. Studies show that up to 60% of people with Primary RLS have a family member who also suffers from it. This is referred to as “Familial RLS.”
Researchers have identified several specific gene variants (such as MEIS1, BTBD9, and MAP2K5) that are strongly associated with the condition. These genes are thought to be involved in the development of the nervous system and the regulation of iron in the brain.
Characteristics of Familial RLS:
- Early Onset: It typically begins earlier in life (often before age 40, and sometimes even in childhood).
- Slower Progression: While it starts earlier, the severity of the symptoms tends to progress more slowly over a person’s lifetime compared to late-onset RLS.
Can You Fight Your Genetics?
Just because you have the genetic predisposition for RLS doesn’t mean you are doomed to suffer severely every night. Genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger. Your daily habits can drastically influence how heavily those genes express themselves.
Monitor Your Lifestyle with RLS Coach
If you have Familial RLS, strict management is your best defense. You need to know exactly which lifestyle factors anger your sensitive nervous system.
The RLS Coach app is built for this exact purpose.
- Track Your Triggers: Log your daily intake of caffeine, alcohol, and sugar to see if they cause genetic flare-ups.
- Monitor Exercise: Keep a diary of your daily physical activity. Many people with Familial RLS find that moderate daily exercise keeps their symptoms at bay.
- Analyze Long-Term Trends: See if your symptoms are slowly worsening over months or years, giving you the data you need to discuss medication adjustments with your neurologist.
You can’t change your DNA, but you can control how it affects your sleep. Download the RLS Coach app to outsmart your genetics and reclaim your nights.