# Restless Legs Syndrome prevalence in Spain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/restless-legs-syndrome-prevalence-in-spain
> Updated: 2026-09-24T22:29:39.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a neurological disorder impacting a significant portion of the Spanish population. Initial reports estimated the condition affects approximately 10% of people, or more than four million individuals, though only about 2% require pharmacological treatment. Medical experts have highlighted significant diagnostic challenges, noting that approximately 90% of sufferers remain undiagnosed, often because symptoms are mistaken for insomnia. Dr. Celia García Malo of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) noted that symptoms typically emerge during rest, leading to an average diagnostic delay of eight years.

Subsequent data refined the prevalence estimate to approximately 11.6% of the population, with severe cases impacting between 2% and 3% of people. Neurologist Laura Lillo of the Spanish Sleep Society clarified that RLS is a neurological disease that alters sensory-motor processing rather than being a secondary symptom of anxiety. The disorder causes an urgent need to move limbs during evening or nighttime rest, which can interfere with daily activities and sleep. Beyond physical symptoms, the condition is linked to mental health risks, including increased anxiety, depression, and suicide. While causes are not fully understood, a genetic predisposition is associated with certain variants.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-24: Restless Legs Syndrome affects an estimated 11.6% of Spain's population

Restless Legs Syndrome affects an estimated 11.6% of the Spanish population, causing neurological sensory-motor issues that disrupt sleep and increase risks of depression and anxiety.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/restless-legs-syndrome-affects-an-estimated-116-of-spains-population

### 2026-09-11: Restless Legs Syndrome affects millions in Spain

Restless Legs Syndrome affects 10% of the population, including four million in Spain, but 90% of cases remain undiagnosed, often taking up to eight years to identify.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/restless-legs-syndrome-affects-millions-in-spain

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Cite as: Restless Legs Syndrome prevalence in Spain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/restless-legs-syndrome-prevalence-in-spain