Friday, August 07, 2026
RLS Foundation and AASM Foundation Announce 2026 Research Grant Awardees
August 7, 2026
The Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Foundation and the AASM Foundation are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 RLS Foundation research grant awards. These grants support innovative scientific studies aimed at advancing understanding, diagnosis and treatment of restless legs syndrome.
This year, two research projects have been selected for co-funding. 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 and RLS Foundation have partnered to co-fund awards through the RLS Foundation Research Grant Program since 2023.
"The AASM Foundation is proud to continue its partnership 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 United States have RLS, treatments are limited and there is no cure.
"We are honored to continue our partnership with the AASM Foundation in support of researchers working to improve the lives of people affected by RLS," says RLS Foundation Executive Director Karla Dzienkowski. "Together, we are advancing our shared commitment to accelerate progress in advancing our understanding and treatment of sleep disorders."
Please Join Us in Congratulating the 2026 Grant Recipients
2026 Co-Funded Grant Recipients
Kondaiah Palsa, PhD
Penn State University
Grant Title:
miR-124-3p Signaling from activated microglia drives brain iron uptake dysregulation in restless legs syndrome
Sergi Ferré, MD, PhD
National Institutes of Health (NIDA)
Grant Title:
Putative role of striatal presynaptic dopamine D4 receptors in the pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome and on the therapeutic effect of pramipexole
The RLS Foundation also agreed to solely fund a third proposal, that aims to better our understanding of RLS. Please join us in congratulating the following.
2026 Funded Grant Recipient by the RLS Foundation
Emmanuel Mignot, MD, PhD
Stanford University
Katie Cederberg, PhD
Stanford University
Grant Title:
Proteomic approach to understanding the mechanism of action for exercise as a non-pharmacological management method in RLS: A Pilot Study
The RLS Foundation Research Grant Program calls for grant proposals of a one-year duration, with funding levels of up to $50,000. Interested applicants may submit a letter of intent beginning in December. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application. More details and application instructions are available on the RLS Foundation website.
For more information about the RLS Foundation or current research initiatives, visit www.rls.org. To learn more about the AASM Foundation's research and funding opportunities, visit foundation.aasm.org.
About the RLS Foundation
The RLS Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of the millions who live with restless legs syndrome. Founded in 1992, the Foundation's goals are to increase awareness, improve treatments and advance research for a cure. The Foundation serves healthcare providers, researchers, 6,000 members and an estimated 12 million individuals (10 million adults and 1.5 million children) in the United States who have RLS.
About the American Academy of Sleep Medicine Foundation
The AASM Foundation is the philanthropic organization 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. Since 1998, the AASM Foundation has distributed more than $31.5 million in grants and awards that are making a critical impact in improving sleep health. Learn more at foundation.aasm.org.
Media Contacts
RLS Foundation
Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN
Executive Director
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
karla@rls.org
512-366-9109
AASM Foundation
Kate Robards
Senior Writer
media@aasm.org
630-737-9738
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