Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

April 3, 2026

Finding Steadiness During Seasonal Blues

By Elyse Hopfe, RLS Foundation Program Manager

Often, as the colder months of the year arrive, many of us feel cornered by an all-too-familiar wave of sadness. For some, it might be described as glum or melancholy. For others, it may feel like numbness. And for many, it may be described as depression, which can also include a clinical diagnosis.

There are two essential truths of this sensation that those who experience it may need to hear.

One truth is that your mood being influenced by the weather, temperature or duration of daylight hours is a scientific, naturally occurring phenomenon. Research on seasonal changes in mood and behavior show that a significant portion of people experience increased depressive or anxious symptoms during the winter months, even if they do not meet the full clinical criteria for seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Even the emotional weight of the holiday season can be a trigger for these feelings.

Many species, even beyond humans, are used to slowing down in several ways for colder temperatures and shorter days because our bodies are so complex and sensitive to our environment. When the weather changes, our bodies work extra hard to adjust to our surroundings, making some seasons more difficult for certain people, both physically and mentally. Also, sleep and wake cycles shifted by different hours of sunlight can disrupt your circadian rhythm and sleep cycle and, consequently, your mental health.

A second and more important truth is that you are never alone in this. No matter how isolated you may feel, it is guaranteed that there are support systems available to meet you where you are mentally. Not everyone can just step into the sunshine and feel better for the rest of the season, especially when feeling lost or miserable. For all who are facing a decline in their usual mood, there is a dedicated community that understands and wants to help, even just by listening. Sometimes, admitting that you don’t feel like yourself is the first step toward coping with “cold weather blues” or “warm weather blues,” depending on the individual.

There isn't one universal solution to these mood shifts, but addressing them starts with listening to your inner voice. Perhaps, during a happier season, you regularly engage in activities like hiking, swimming, seeing family or creating art. What feeds your soul? If you are not able to engage in these activities at certain times of the year, it may be helpful to find an alternative activity that you can enjoy even half as much in the meantime. Self-expression, exercise and finding community are a few types of seasonal activities that may nourish you.

If you would like a community of support or a one-on-one conversation with someone who understands RLS, the RLS Foundation has a dedicated group of volunteers who are ready to support you. In an emergency, help is available by calling 911 or texting a crisis hotline for immediate assistance. Sometimes, you might need someone to just listen, and that is part of the beauty of what humans can offer to one another.

Advocacy Action Alert: Include "Sleep Disorders and Restriction" in the Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program

Advocacy is an important part of the RLS Foundation's work to increase awareness and promote RLS research. We ask RLS community members to participate in Advocacy Action Alerts to expand our reach within Congress. If you have any questions, please email adrianna@rls.org.

Background: Each year, the United States Senate crafts an annual Department of Defense (DOD) appropriations bill, which includes a list of conditions that are deemed “eligible for study” through the Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP). For a condition to be included, Senators need to support the condition and officially ask for its inclusion. Senators have many competing appropriations priorities and for them to support a condition-specific request, they need to be educated and asked to do so by their constituents.

Why It’s Important: As a result of grassroots outreach, the Senate has recognized sleep disorders and restriction as a condition eligible for study annually. This support allows researchers to compete for $370 million in federal research funding each year.

Recently, Congress finalized the DOD appropriations bill for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and “sleep disorders and restrictions” was once again included on the list for the PRMRP. However, Senators are now working on FY 2027 DOD appropriations bill and will be deciding which conditions will be included on the next PRMRP eligible conditions list. We need your advocacy to help ensure that we are included on this list for the upcoming FY27 bill as well.

Request: Please reach out to the offices of your Senators and ask that they “support the continued inclusion of sleep disorders and restriction in the DOD PRMRP’s eligible conditions list in FY 2027.”

Steps to Take Action:

*Complete Step 1 as soon as possible, as you will need the contact information for the Health Legislative Assistant before completing the rest.

1. Contact our Washington representative, Briana Walker at walker@hmcw.org. Briana will provide the contact information of the Health Legislative Assistant in your Representative’s DC office. Provide your home address and zip code so Briana can identify your House Representative’s Health LA.

Email Subject Line: RLSF: DOD PRMRP

*Please cc: Adrianna Colucci, RLS Foundation Communications Coordinator (adrianna@rls.org)

2. Once you have the contact information, reach out to your Senators and ask that they support the inclusion of “sleep disorders and restriction” in the Department of Defense’s Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program. We ask that you reach out to your Senators no later than April 30th.

3. Please consult the list below and see if one of the Senators from your state serves on the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Please note that you can still reach out even if your Senator is not on the Subcommittee.

4. Complete the sample message below with your RLS story and send your completed letter to your Senator’s health staffer provided by Briana.

**Sample Message**

The Honorable _______

________ Senate Office Building

Dear Senator_______,

My name is [Your Name] and I am a constituent and an advocate for the Restless Legs Syndrome community. I write you today on behalf of individuals affected by Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) to thank you for ensuring that “sleep disorders and restriction” was included in the eligible conditions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and ask that you work with your colleagues to ensure that “sleep disorders and restriction” is once again listed as a condition eligible for study through the Department of Defense Peer-Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) within the Committee Report accompanying the Senate’s FY 2027 Defense Appropriations Bill. .

[Briefly share your personal RLS story in 2-3 sentences.]

I hope you will work with your colleagues in support of once again listing “sleep disorders and restriction” in FY 2027 as a condition eligible for study through the annual list on the Committee Report accompanying the Senate’s FY 2027 bill.

On behalf of RLS affected constituents, thank you for your time and your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

[Name]

[Address]

****

It is important to reach out as soon as possible, to ensure that your congressional offices have time to review and approve the letter. Thank you for your support as an advocate! If you have questions, please email adrianna@rls.org.

• Chair: Mitch McConnell (Kentucky)
• Ranking Member: Christopher Coons (Delaware)

• Susan Collins (Maine)
• Richard Durbin (Illinois)
• Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
• Patty Murray (Washington)
• Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)
• Jack Reed (Rhode Island)
• Jerry Moran (Kansas)
• Brian Schatz (Hawaii)
• John Hoeven (North Dakota)
• Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin)
• John Boozman (Arkansas)
• Jeanne Shaheen (New Hampshire)
• Shelly Moore Capito (West Virginia)
• Chris Murphy (Connecticut)
• John Kennedy (Louisiana)

April 1, 2026

RLS Foundation Certifies Chase Family Movement Disorders Center as a QCC

As an RLS Quality Care Center, the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center is certified to provide expert care to patients with restless legs syndrome, a chronic neurological sleep disorder.

AUSTIN, TEXAS, April 1, 2026 – The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation announces it has certified Hartford Healthcare’s Chase Family Movement Disorders Center as an RLS Quality Care Center.

An estimated 2%-3% of adults need daily clinical treatment for RLS, a chronic neurological disease that disrupts sleep and can have a devastating impact on overall quality of life. As an RLS Quality Care Center, the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center will serve as a destination for RLS patients who need expert medical care.

“We are pleased to be recognized with this designation,” says Duarte Machado, MD, director of the Quality Care Center at the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center. “We are honored to be recognized as an RLS Quality Care Center and proud to help elevate national awareness of the significant needs within this patient community. By integrating our strengths and expertise in movement disorders and sleep medicine, we are uniquely equipped to deliver innovative, patient-driven care for all. Through our collaboration with the RLS Foundation, we aim to continue to advance clinical excellence, broaden access to our specialized care, and foster greater understanding of patient care needs through our affiliation with the Connecticut RLS Support Group,” says Dr. Machado.

The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center joins a network of 16 other institutions in the US and Europe that are certified by the RLS Foundation as Quality Care Centers. Through this program, the Foundation aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease worldwide.

RLS Quality Care Centers:

• Provide expert care to RLS patients
• Serve as information and referral resources for healthcare providers who treat patients with RLS and regional support groups
• Support patients and families through educational offerings and literature
• Share information with other centers to improve clinical best practices
• Partner with the RLS Foundation on quality improvement projects to raise the standard of care for RLS patients everywhere

“We are delighted to welcome the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center to the RLS Foundation Quality Care Center network,” says RLS Foundation Executive Director Karla Dzienkowski. “Individuals with RLS face significant challenges in finding healthcare providers who are informed in the management of moderate to severe forms of RLS. The Chase Family Movement Disorders Center provides access to knowledgeable and skilled healthcare providers who can provide personalized treatment plans to improve quality of life for those living with RLS.”

Dzienkowski adds, “The goal of the Quality Care Center network is to provide RLS patients access to healthcare providers proficient in RLS management. We look forward to our partnership with the Chase Family Movement Disorders Center to provide treatment access, management and quality of life improvement for RLS patients.”

The contact information for USC is listed on the RLS Foundation website. Other certified RLS Quality Care Centers are:

• Johns Hopkins Center for Restless Legs Syndrome
• Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine
• Houston Methodist Neurological Institute
• Stanford Sleep Medicine Center
• Emory Sleep Center
• Yale Center for Restless Legs Syndrome
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Scripps Clinic Viterbi Family Sleep Center
• Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland
• Innsbruck Medical University
• Massachusetts General
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Virginia at Charlottesville
• Barrow Neurological Institute
• Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

To learn more about the RLS Quality Care Center Program, visit www.rls.org/quality-care-centers.

About the RLS Foundation

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of all who live with restless legs syndrome (RLS). Founded in 1992, the Foundation’s goals are to increase awareness, improve treatments and advance research to find a cure. The Foundation serves healthcare providers, researchers, over 6,000 members, and an estimated 12 million individuals in the United States who have the disease. The Foundation’s Research Grant Program has awarded over $2 million in funding for medical research on RLS causes and treatments. For more information, visit www.rls.org.

CONTACT
Adrianna Colucci
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
adrianna@rls.org
512-366-9109

January 28, 2026

Commonly Used Rating Scales in RLS Research

Research related to RLS often relies on questionnaires and rating scales to provide objective clinical data. These tools provide a baseline to help researchers and clinicians assess clinical diagnoses and evaluate symptom severity, treatment effectiveness and patients' physical and emotional well-being. Understanding these scales can make it easier to interpret published research findings and clinical results.

International RLS Study Group Score (IRLS)

The International Restless Legs Study Group (IRLSSG) developed and validated a 10-item rating scale to indicate how symptoms have affected a patient over the course of one week. This test is administered by a physician, but answers are self-reported by the patient. Each of the 10 questions asks the respondent to rate their experiences with RLS on a scale from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (severe and frequent symptoms), producing a total score between 0 and 40. Generally, scores in the range of 1–10 correspond to mild RLS, 11–20 to moderate, 21–30 to severe, and 31–40 to very severe RLS.

How is it used? The IRLS is a commonly administered questionnaire used in research and clinical practice to rate the severity of RLS symptoms and can be used to help determine the best course of treatment for RLS patients.

RLS-6 Scale

The RLS-6 scale measures the impact of RLS on daily life. This 6-item questionnaire evaluates questions on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher numbers indicating more severe RLS. The questions ask for individuals to rate satisfaction with sleep and severity of symptoms while falling asleep, during the night, during the day while sitting or lying, and during the day when moving around.

How is it used? The RLS-6 is an instrument to assess RLS severity within specific and pragmatic parameters. It can be used to supplement the IRLS.

Cambridge-Hopkins Diagnostic Questionnaire (CH-RLSq)

This questionnaire is a validated diagnostic tool used by physicians to assess and identify RLS. The questions address basic diagnostic features of RLS such as frequency and timing of symptoms, relief of symptoms with movement, and impact on daily life or sleep patterns.

How is it used? The CH-RLSq is commonly used in research to validate RLS diagnoses and differentiate RLS from conditions with similar characteristics.

Suggested Immobilization Test (SIT)

The SIT is a validated tool that assesses leg discomfort and leg movements during a 60-minute period. The test is administered in the evening in a clinical setting. Participants recline at a 45-degree angle with legs outstretched and are instructed to avoid voluntary movement for the duration of the test. The test records surface electromyograms from the anterior tibialis muscles to detect leg movements. A high number of leg movements during the test may help differentiate patients with RLS from those without RLS.

How is it used? The SIT provides a standardized testing condition to measure the severity of RLS symptoms by quantifying leg movements and subjective discomfort. This test is often used to determine whether potential treatments might be helpful to treat RLS symptoms.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)

This validated questionnaire is administered by a physician and evaluates overall sleep quality over a one-month period. The questions fall into seven categories: subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, use of sleeping medication, and daytime dysfunction. Five additional questions rated by the respondent’s roommate or bed partner are included for clinical purposes but are not scored. Each question is scored from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater sleep disturbances.

How is it used? The PSQI may be helpful during RLS research studies to determine the effectiveness of medications, interventions and other therapies for improving sleep.

The World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5)

This questionnaire evaluates five statements to measure mental well-being over two weeks. Statements are rated on a 6-point scale, with higher scores indicating better mental health.

How is it used? The WHO-5 may be used in RLS research to study the relationship of RLS and mental health or to examine mental health outcomes based on treatment response.

January 8, 2026

Thankuary: A Month of Gratitude from the RLS Foundation

January is Thankuary - a campaign that emphasizes appreciation and gratitude following the busy holiday season. During Thankuary, we take time to recognize the incredible people who make our mission possible. Every step forward in awareness, education, advocacy and research happens because of a community that shows up with compassion, devotion and hope.

To our members, thank you for being the heart of our community and for trusting us with your stories, your voices, and your continued support.

To our volunteers and Board of Directors, we extend our deepest thanks to those who generously give their time, talents and leadership to support our work in so many ways.

To the healthcare professionals on our Scientific and Medical Advisory Board and Quality Care Center certified clinicians, we are thankful for your expertise and compassionate care for people living with RLS.

And to the RLS Foundation advocates and staff, we are profoundly grateful to your commitment to improving the lives of those living with this often-devastating condition.

Thankuary is a reminder that none of this work happens alone. Follow us on social media as we highlight our community throughout this month on Facebook and Instagram. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and more hopeful future for everyone affected by RLS. Thank you for being part of the RLS Foundation community.

Hill Day 2026 FAQ

The RLS Foundation is hosting its annual Hill Day event on Monday, March 23. Hill Day is an opportunity to unite with fellow RLS community members to meet with legislative staffers and advocate for key issues. This is an all day in-person event, coordinated with the Health and Medicine Counsel of DC (HMC), an organization that guides the Foundation's advocacy efforts. We'd love to have you join us on Capitol Hill! Read through the FAQ below, or please email adrianna@rls.org with additional questions or concerns.

Agenda: Monday, March 23, 2026*

8:00 AM: Welcome Session at Health and Medicine Counsel: 50 F St NW, Suite 730, Washington, DC

8:45 AM: Walk to US Capitol Hill for group photo

9:15 AM: Walk to Russell Senate Office Building: 2 Constitution Ave NE, Washington, DC

9:30 – 12:00 PM: Senate Meetings

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Lunch in Senate Building Basement Cafeteria

1:00 PM: Walk to Rayburn House Office Building: 45 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC

1:30 - 4:00 PM: House Meetings

4:00 PM: Debrief

*This schedule is tentative and may change based on office availability.

Preparation

What are we advocating for?

Put simply, we are advocating for increased funding for RLS research, enhanced awareness and education, and protected access to crucial therapies for refractory RLS which may include opioids. See the legislative agenda for details.

What should I bring with me?

A valid ID is required to enter all government buildings. Bring any notes you have prepared to share with legislators. You can take a small bag with your wallet, ID, camera, portable phone charger, or other personal effects. Water and unopened snacks are permitted inside the building. Prohibited items include perfumes, pepper spray, aerosol containers, weapons, backpacks, and suitcases as you will have to go through security.

What is the dress code?

Business casual attire is appropriate. Wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking/standing for most of the day.

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is a nonpartisan organization. We are fortunate to have strong working relationships with both sides of the aisle that has resulted in continued advocacy success for our community. To maintain a nonpartisan and professional environment during our hill day, please refrain from wearing clothing or accessories with political slogans or affiliations.

What is the Health and Medicine Counsel (HMC)?

The Health and Medicine Counsel of Washington is a government relations organization that works with nonprofit organizations and companies in the healthcare industry. HMC guides our advocacy efforts, including coordinating congressional meetings.

Will I receive training prior to meeting with representatives?

There are advocacy materials available on our website under the “Advocacy” Tab. On Monday morning there will be a welcome session with HMC representatives who will prepare you for the day.

How can I prepare for Hill Day?

Step 1: Register at: www.rls.org/hill-day. Registering in advance allows our HMC representatives to target legislators in your state and district.

Step 2: Create your story. Meetings with representatives will be brief, so preparation is key. Representatives want to hear why the policies they pass impact their constituents.

Step 3: View our advocacy resources under the “Advocacy” Tab at www.rls.org.

Step 4: Plan your travel including hotel reservations, car rentals, public transportation, or other necessary details.

What To Expect

This is my first time participating in any type of advocacy work- what should I expect?

Advocacy can seem daunting, but it will not take you long to gain confidence! You will feel a sense of unity among the members of your group knowing you have a collective mission and a sense of empowerment by being a voice for those who cannot be there.

The HMC will coordinate meetings in advance, but you will receive your schedule the day of. You will likely meet with 5-7 offices. An HMC representative will guide your group through the meetings.

Your group may include an RLSF employee, a Board member, an RLS expert, other RLS members and an HMC representative.

Who do we meet with?

You will meet with legislative staffers who are responsible for listening, asking questions and taking notes during the meeting. Legislative staffers are essential in helping legislators make informed decisions and effectively serving constituents.

How is each meeting structured?

You will meet with a representative from each office who is there to listen and take notes. These meetings last about 15-20 minutes. Do not be surprised if your meetings take place in a conference room, the office lobby, or even the hallway!

After introductions, an RLSF representative will explain what RLS is and what the RLS Foundation does. You will then share your story in 2-4 minutes. The HMC representative will end with our legislative priorities and request their support. The flow of your meeting will happen naturally, as your group learns how to bounce off each other’s statements.

What is my role in this meeting?

Statistics and numbers only go so far- the most impactful statements come from those who live with RLS and can provide context for the adversities faced by the community. Prepare your story in advance, as you will have 2-4 minutes to share.

How much walking is required?

Please note that congressional buildings are quite large and navigating them will involve a significant amount of walking. Based on past events, on average you will be walking six miles in total. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for an active day. If you have any walking impairments or mobility concerns, we recommend planning ahead to ensure a comfortable experience.

Travel

Where do we meet?

We will meet at the HMC Headquarters located at 50 F St NW, Suite 730 Washington, DC 20001.

I am commuting by car. Where can I park?

The closest parking structure is Market Square Parking Garage located at 701/801 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. It is about a 20-minute walk to the meeting area. You can reserve parking tickets in advance.

Can I commute by train?

Yes, the HMC office is just a short walk from Union Station.

What hotels are in the area?

There are many hotels in the area, both within walking distance and driving distance of HMC Headquarters.

Options within walking distance:

- Phoenix Park Hotel: 520 N Capitol St. (2 min walk)

- Hilton Washington DC Capitol Hill: 525 New Jersey Ave NW (3 min walk)

- Kimpton George Hotel: 15 E St. NW (3 min walk)

Options within driving distance:

- Hilton Garden Inn: 2020 Richmond Highway Arlington (12 min drive)

- Lyle Hotel: 1731 New Hampshire Ave NW (15 min drive)

- Cambria Hotel Capitol Riverfront: 69 Q St SW (10 min drive)

- State Plaza Hotel: 2117 E St NW (15 min drive)

- Hilton Washington DC National Mall The Wharf: 480 L'Enfant Plaza SW (10 min drive)

You may need to consider car rentals or ride-sharing services as a form of transportation. Be sure to reserve all accommodations in advance!

December 16, 2025

AASM Foundation and Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation to Co-Fund Career Development Grants

The AASM Foundation is excited to expand its partnership with the Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation to support early-career researchers through a co-funded grant for the 2026 Focused Projects Grant for Junior Investigators. This program provides funding for mentored research projects to jumpstart an early career investigator’s research career and provide the necessary support and resources needed to establish a track record of funding.

To be eligible for this co-funded opportunity, the proposed mentored projects must address one of these topics related to restless legs syndrome:

1. Investigations focused on further identifying specific endotypes and phenotypes of RLS that relate to particular subgroups of patients (e.g., pediatrics, women, pregnancy, diabetes, iron deficiency, ADHD)
2. Research oriented toward uncovering therapeutic precision when treating specific RLS/PLMD populations/phenotypes (e.g., patients with augmentation, pediatrics, women)
3. Studies that spur the development of new technologies to detect, manage, and/or treat RLS/PLMD.
4. Investigations utilizing tele-based, or remote diagnostic/management technologies and protocols and treatment outcomes for RLS/PLMD populations.

This continued collaboration reflects our shared dedication to supporting the next generation of RLS researchers focused on addressing the most pressing questions for those affected by the disorder.

Applications are due by January 5, 2026. For further information on eligibility and the application process, visit https://foundation.aasm.org/focused-projects-award-junior-investigators/ or contact the AASM Foundation at foundation@aasm.org.