Connecting RLS and Psoriasis

People with psoriasis may be losing sleep over restless legs syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder that causes itching, burning sensations in the legs.

RLS also causes sensations like throbbing, creeping, and tingling. The sensations usually occur at night while you’re lying still, and can make you lose sleep and feel fatigued.

One recent study looked at the relationship between RLS and psoriasis, as well as psoriatic arthritis. Researcher Callis Duffin says it can lead to a “vicious cycle.”

"The hurting and itching leads to poor sleep, which leads to fatigue, which leads to more pain and itching, which leads to even worse sleep."

Typically the only way to relieve the uncomfortable sensations is to move your legs. This is also common in other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and MS.

The exact link between RLS and psoriasis isn’t known, but it is likely due to how nerve signals are transmitted. It may be daunting that there’s no cure, but you are not alone!

Treatment to ease the pain is out there, as is support from loved ones and others going through the same thing.