September 17, 2024

RLS Foundation Partners with The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation (AASM Foundation) to Fund Research

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation (AASM Foundation) is pleased to join forces with the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (RLS Foundation) to fund research leading to new treatments and a cure for restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Earlier this year, the AASM Foundation began an agreement with the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation to co-fund basic and clinical RLS research. The partnership for 2024 includes the following research priorities:

• Neurobiological interaction: Elucidate the points of interaction between RLS-relevant neurotransmitters, neuronal pathways, and iron deficiency.
• Pharmacologic treatments: Elucidate effects of novel pharmacological approaches on RLS.
• Clinical Practice: research based on innovations in patient care delivery including but not limited to population health programs, technology-enabled healthcare delivery (i.e. Telemedicine) and public health initiatives.

The recipient selected for this joint award is Shawn Hochman, PhD, from Emory University School of Medicine on the topic: Sensory Dysfunction in a Diet-Induced Deficiency Mouse Model of RLS: Characterization and Control by Dopamine-Sensitive Spinal Gating Circuitry.

We are excited to continue this partnership with a new grant cycle that will open later this year.

About the AASM Foundation:

The AASM Foundation is the official philanthropy of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Our values, programs, and purpose are focused on investing in people, research, and communities to improve the sleep health of all people. Learn more about the AASM Foundation by visiting foundation.aasm.org.