Identification of genetic loci associated with restless legs syndrome in the Canadian population

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes abnormal sensations and an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually before falling asleep or during the night. Epidemiological studies have shown that 5 to 15 % of European and North American populations suffer from RLS; in particular, an increased prevalence of up to 18 % was reported in the Canadian population. Even though RLS affects a large percentage of the general population, only a few studies have been performed to decipher its genetic causes. Currently, a total of 22 genetic risk regions are associated with the risk to develop RLS. The purpose of the study is to identify genetic risk factors that are associated with RLS using a genome-wide approach in the Canadian population.