Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

My husband often brings me my medications or asks if I've taken them. If I'm more tired than usual, he doesn't push or ask me to do anything that takes extra effort or energy. He also encourages me to sleep late in the morning when I need the rest.

— Barbara

During my worst nights with RLS, when my legs ached and jumped all night long, my husband stayed awake with me, massaged my legs and alternated between warm socks and ice packs. Sometimes I could finally fall asleep while he was massaging my legs. I don't know what I would've done without him.

— Susan

I am amazed at my husband's ability to notice the little nonverbal cues that I'm struggling, especially during road trips. He willingly takes the next exit so I can get out and walk around for a while.

— Julie

My husband supports me simply by being there. He has an endless capacity to listen as I talk about my restlessness and my search for the right medication. He also supports meal planning around my trigger foods, and he's the advocate I know I could rely on if I were ever hospitalized.

— Constance

My partner is patient, understanding, offers kind words of encouragement and walks with me whenever my symptoms flare.

— Tom

My husband understands RLS and my frustration when symptoms flare despite my medication. He encourages me to use remedies that bring relief and always responds with empathy.

— Janice

My wife keeps track of my medication schedule, encourages healthier eating, massages my legs during severe episodes and reminds me to maintain good sleep habits. She's my advocate and my rock.

— Marc

On car trips, my husband knows when my RLS is acting up and, without my even asking, pulls over somewhere safe so I can walk. He's even walked laps with me in our driveway in the middle of the night during particularly difficult nights.

— Sue B.

My wife is very patient with me and understands when I've had a bad night. She encourages me to catch up on sleep when I need it.

— Brian

He has bought me leg massagers, and sometimes he becomes the leg massager himself. When we travel, we book larger rooms so I have space to move around if necessary. Most importantly, he supported my decision to retire in my 50s.

— Suzie

When she sees me in distress, she'll try anything to help, including cold packs on my knees, a cool cloth on my forehead and other suggestions. She knows hot weather often makes my symptoms worse.

— Judith

My loved one never complains when I need to walk around during the night or turn on music to help distract me.

— Nancy

My wife lets me catch up on sleep during the day whenever I need it and is always supportive in my search for better treatment.

— Steven

My husband didn't understand RLS at first, but over time he's come to truly appreciate how difficult it is. He reminds me to pack enough medication before trips, understands why I need an aisle seat, follows RLS research and even supports the Foundation with donations.

— Andrea

Walks with me at 2:00 a.m. whenever I need it.

— Sally

It is painful to watch my wife suffer from RLS symptoms. She is incredibly tough and resilient, but when symptoms overwhelm her and she has to walk around the house or exercise until they settle, I often feel helpless. The best thing I can do is let her know I understand and that I'm there for her.

— Janice's husband

There is very little I can do except let her know that I understand. I only wish I could do more.

— Julie's husband