What Causes Restless Leg Syndrome?

Kidney Failure

Another condition associated with restless leg syndrome is kidney failure. From twenty-five to forty percent of individuals on dialysis suffer from restless leg syndrome. Scientists speculate there may be several factors caused by kidney disease that increases restless leg syndrome. First, National Institutes of Health report patients with end-stage renal disease can have iron-deficiency anemia, a risk factor for restless leg syndrome. This is due to the diseased kidneys' inability to produce adequate amounts of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), a key component in the production of red blood cells.

With lower levels of EPO in the body, the bone marrow's red blood cell production is decreased, leading to anemia. Second, kidney failure increases uremic toxins in the body, which can cause peripheral neuropathy, another condition associated with restless leg syndrome.