Restless legs syndrome as a cause of sleep disturbances in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

Context: Sleep disturbances are frequent in cancer patients during chemotherapy; the contributory role of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in this setting has never been assessed.

Objectives: This study investigated the role of RLS in causing sleep disturbances and altering the quality of life in cancer patients during chemotherapy.

Methods: Evaluation tools included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the RLS questionnaires, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for quality of life and anxiety/depression assessment.