The prevalence of comorbid restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea in a Beninese population was 3.5%, with strong associations for older age, rural residence, obesity, and hypertension.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,810)
The co-occurrence of restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea is relatively rare (3.5%) in the Beninese population but is strongly associated with cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors such as obesity and hypertension.
Abstract Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern. Its coexistence with restless legs syndrome (RLS), another prevalent sleep disorder, remains under-reported in the literature. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of the co-occurrence of RLS and OSA (COROSA) in the Beninese population. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional population-based study in Benin between April 2018 and January 2020. Participants were recruited from the Benin Society and Sleep (BeSAS cohort). COROSA was defined as the co-occurrence of RLS and OSA, assessed using the standardized International Restless Legs Syndrome Questionnaire and polygraphy, respectively. OSA was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥5 events/hour. RLS was diagnosed based on the four mandatory criteria established by the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG). Demographic, anthropometric, behavioral, and clinical data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with COROSA. Results Among 1,810 participants included (mean age: 45.5 ± 14.8 years), the prevalence of COROSA was 3.5%. Factors independently associated with COROSA included older age (40-59 years: OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.42-6.92; ≥60 years: OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.78-9.95), rural residence (OR 11.1, 95% CI 5.25-26.6), obesity (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.06-8.02), hypertension (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.24-4.26), and insomnia (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.55-4.72). Conclusion COROSA was relatively rare in the general Beninese population, affecting approximately 1 in 29 individuals. Despite its low prevalence, the condition showed strong associations with advancing age, rural residence, obesity, hypertension, and insomnia. These findings underscore the need for enhanced screening and integrated management strategies for sleep disorders in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among high-risk groups. Clinicians should maintain awareness of this dual condition, particularly when evaluating patients with multiple cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors. This abstract is funded by: Ligue Pulmonaire Vaudoise, Lausanne, Switzerland
Wachinou et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Comorbid Restless Leg Syndrome and Obstructive Sleep Apnea (COROSA) (n=1,810). The prevalence of comorbid restless legs syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea in a Beninese population was 3.5%, with strong associations for older age, rural residence, obesity, and hypertension.