Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation (AASM Foundation) are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 RLS research grant awards. These grants support innovative scientific studies aimed at advancing understanding, diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome. This year, four research projects have been selected for funding – two of which are co-funded by the RLS Foundation and the AASM Foundation. This funding is made available through the RLS Foundation’s Research Grant Program, which has awarded over $2 million in grants for RLS research since 1997.

“The AASM Foundation is proud to partner with the RLS Foundation to fund high-impact research that addresses critical gaps in our understanding of restless legs syndrome,” said Dr. Lynn Marie Trotti, President of the AASM Foundation. “These innovative projects have the potential to advance scientific knowledge and improve the quality of life for individuals living with RLS, and we are excited to support the investigators driving this important work forward.”

RLS is a chronic neurological disease characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at night. Many people with RLS endure unrelenting symptoms that severely disrupt sleep and can have a devastating impact on their well-being. An estimated 7–8% of adults in the US have RLS, and treatments are limited.

“We are proud to partner with the AASM Foundation to support researchers dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by RLS. This partnership signifies our shared commitment to accelerating progress in understanding and treating sleep disorders,” says RLS Foundation Executive Director Karla Dzienkowski.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025 grant recipients!

2025 Co-Funded Grant Recipients (RLS Foundation & AASM Foundation)