Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

December 28, 2019 New research suggests it is especially important for people and families living with RLS to pay attention to their mental health needs and to seek help if they are struggling. In a study at Pennsylvania State University, researchers found that participants with RLS were 2.7 times more likely than others to experience suicide or self-harm,...

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December 20, 2019 The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that serious breathing difficulties may occur in people who have respiratory risk factors and take gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR). These risk factors include taking drugs that depress the central nervous system, such as opioids; and conditions that reduce lung...

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November 22, 2019 By Amber Arellano RLS Safety Net Do you consider yourself a caregiver for your spouse or partner? By definition, a caregiver is a person who provides direct care to the elderly, a child, a spouse or a partner. An estimated 39.8 million caregivers in the US provide assistance to another adult age 18 and up,...

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November 19, 2019 Great Progress for RLS By Kris Schanilec The RLS Foundation has made significant progress in advocating for the needs of RLS patients this year. Foundation leaders, staff and community members have worked in tandem to advance three goals: 1) increase RLS research,  2) improve professional RLS education and public awareness, and  3) ensure patients have...

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November 14, 2019 What's Really under the Bun? The Impossible Burger is a plant-based burger that has been widely praised for looking, smelling and – luckily for burger lovers – tasting just like the real thing. But if you have RLS and low iron stores, you may be wondering: Can it boost your iron? Iron is essential for...

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October 11, 2019 One Man’s Advocacy Journey to Make an Impact By Stephen Smith Stephen Smith is a dedicated member and volunteer at the RLS Foundation. He is always eager to participate in any way possible to promote RLS awareness and education. Steve has served as a Discussion Board Moderator for over five years, answering questions and providing...

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October 10, 2019 RLS Awareness Day: September 23, 2019 By Clara Schlemeyer RLS Awareness Day is celebrated every September 23, and this year was a great success! RLS Foundation members and supporters from all over the globe participated in Awareness Day activities. This year’s theme was #RLSAware. Throughout the day, the Foundation posted messages on social media to...

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September 18, 2019 HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON of Colorado in the House of Representatives Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 150 MR. TIPTON: Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the millions of patients from across the country suffering from Restless Legs Syndrome, to raise awareness of this severely misunderstood neurological disease. RLS is a serious neurological disease...

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September 17, 2019 Dr. Ronald Anderson and Marcia Ball Join Board of Directors The RLS Foundation is pleased to announce two new members of the Board of Directors. Both have been long time supporters and members of the Foundation and now will be donating their time and talent to help propel the Foundation into 2020. Linda Secretan, Secretary...

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September 13, 2019 Dr. Jeffrey Durmer Joins Board of Directors The RLS Foundation is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Durmer, MD, PhD, has joined the Board of Directors. An RLS expert, Dr. Durmer has served on the Foundation’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Board since 2006 and been a key participant in the Foundation’s advocacy efforts in Washington, DC....

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September 12, 2019 A Letter to our RLS Foundation Supporters and the RLS Community Thank you for your continued advocacy and support. In May, a delegation of RLS Foundation staff, board members and over 20 patients attended the first RLS Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Our team of advocates sat down with staff of more...

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September 11, 2019 Back to School with RLS By Kris Schanilec As kids head back to school this fall, many will be facing a unique challenge. For children and adolescents with RLS (an estimated 1.5 million kids in the US alone), sitting still in a classroom can be very difficult. Like adults, kids with RLS tend to seek...

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September 10, 2019 Eight Ways to Raise RLS Awareness During September RLS Awareness Day is just around the corner, Monday September 23! Here are some ways YOU can make sure others are #RLSAware this year! 1. Refer your doctor to www.rls.org/PhysicianEd to learn more about RLS. 2. Like, share and comment on RLS Foundation messages that inspire you...

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August 9, 2019 Welcome Denise Sharon, MD, PhD, FAASM and J. Andrew Berkowitz, MD to the Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. Denise Sharon, MD, PhD, FAASM Dr. Sharon graduated in 1981 from the Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University in Israel. After completing her Residency in Psychiatry, she continued her studies in Clinical Psychology at Temple University in...

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August 8, 2019 Spreading RLS Awareness Through Sacred Threads By Zibby Crawford Three striking quilts hang on the walls of the RLS Foundation in Austin, Texas. More than a decoration, they are a unique and powerful tool for RLS Awareness. Starla Phelps, an RLS Foundation member since 1994, is the artist that created each quilt to be displayed...

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August 6, 2019 New Study Funded by RLS Foundation By Kris Schanilec The RLS Foundation has awarded a grant of $36,398 to Sergi Ferré, MD, PhD, of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, for a study to explore how opioid medications work in the brain to relieve RLS symptoms. This research builds on several Foundation-funded studies previously conducted...

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August 1, 2019 CBT-I Just Might Help By Régis Langelier, PhD As many of you know, those of us who are “NightWalkers” have not only RLS, but also the insomnia that comes with it. All who endure RLS have some learned coping expertise; however, we also need new ways of thinking and strategizing for revitalization! Now there is...

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June 14, 2019 San Antonio, Texas is host to Sleep Specialists from around the world By Maddie Lionberger SLEEP 2019, the annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, was held in San Antonio, Texas this year – so the Foundation staff set out on a road trip! Located less than 100 miles south of the RLS Foundation’s...

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May 22, 2019 Ask Your Senators to Support the Establishment of a Sleep Disorders Education and Awareness Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention By Kris Schanilec The US Senate is crafting its spending bill for medical research, public health, and professional education programs for the Fiscal Year 2020. Your help is needed by June 4th...

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