Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

Make the Most of Your RLS Foundation Membership!

As an active RLS Foundation member, you have exclusive access to the member portal on www.rls.org. Here, you can explore over 30 publications, past editions of NightWalkers, and previously recorded webinars. Register for the member portal today to unlock these valuable resources and make the most of your membership!

If you have already registered for the member portal, you may need to reset your password, as it expires after one year of inactivity. Follow the steps below to register for the member portal or log in to your existing account!

Creating a Member Portal

If you have not registered for the member portal, follow the steps below. If you already have a username and password, skip to the next section.

1. Go to www.rls.org/login-member.
2. Click "New User Registration" in blue under the yellow "Login" button.
3. Enter your contact information.
4. Create a username. (You may use your email address as the username.)
5. Create a password and enter it once in the box and again in the second box to confirm. See password requirements below.
6. Click submit.

Password Requirements

1. The password must be at least 12 characters and must contain at least one number, one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, and one special character ($, #, %, *, &, @, !).
2. The password cannot contain your name(s), username, "Password," or “RLS Foundation” in any text direction (e.g., drowssap is invalid).
3. The password cannot contain any indicator of time, date, or season in any text direction (e.g., My0rg1976).
4. The password cannot contain any of the above even with special character variations (e.g., spring, $pring, spr1ng, $unday, Sunday, Sund@y).

Please note that password requirements are determined by our website provider and cannot be modified by the RLS Foundation.

You will not have immediate access to the member portal upon registering. Please allow 24 business hours for your registration to be linked to your active membership.

Logging into the Member Portal

1. Go to www.rls.org/login-member.
2. Enter your username and password.
3. Click submit.
4. You now have access to the member portal! All resources can be found under the “Member Portal” tab. You will be logged out after one hour of inactivity.

If you have successfully logged in but are still unable to view the resources listed under the “Member Portal” tab, your membership may be expired. To view the status of your membership, select “Renew my membership” by hovering over the “Member Portal” tab. If your membership is inactive, click “Renew Now.”

All memberships are active through September 30 of the following year. You will not have immediate access upon renewing; please allow 24 business hours for your renewal to be linked to your account.

Resetting My Password

If you are unsure whether you have an existing member portal or need to reset your password, follow the steps below:

1. Go to www.rls.org/login-member.
2. Click "Forgotten Password" in blue under the yellow "Login" button.
3. Enter the email associated with your member portal.
4. Select and enter either "Username" or "First and Last Name."
5. Click submit to receive your username and a link to reset your password (check your Junk folder).
6. Click the reset password link in the email. Refer to the “Password Requirements” section above.
7. Once you reset your password, return to www.rls.org/login-member and enter your username and new password.
8. Click submit.

If you do not receive a password reset email, you may not have an existing member portal. In that case, follow the steps in the Creating a Member Portal section above.

Additional Support

If you have further questions regarding your membership status or portal registration, please email info@rls.org with the subject line: Assistance with Member Portal.

The Knowledge and Comfort of Knowing You Are Not Alone = Priceless

For 31 years, the RLS Foundation has been dedicated to improving the lives of the men, women and children who live with RLS by increasing awareness, improving treatments, and funding research to find a cure for this often-devastating disease. The RLS Foundation is proud to have the only dedicated RLS Research Grant Program, which funds promising research. We are a patient services organization, committed to ensuring those in the RLS community have access to top-notch resources, support, information and much more. Membership dues from our cherished members are the lifeblood of this organization, and our work can’t be done without you, our members.

FIVE REASONS WHY YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS BENEFICIAL

1. ACCESS TO EXPERT RESOURCES

Members can tap into a wealth of knowledge about RLS, including the latest research, treatment options and management techniques. The Foundation offers comprehensive educational materials, such as educational brochures, open-access articles and webinars, which can empower you with a deeper understanding of your disease. All of our publications are available for immediate download through our Member Portal, as well as an archive of webinars on a variety of topics. Our materials are rigorously reviewed and edited by members of our Scientific and Medical Advisory Board. These RLS experts volunteer their time and expertise to ensure all our materials are up-to-date and scientifically accurate.

2. A CARING AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Being an RLS Foundation member means you have access to a support system made up of thousands of individuals living with RLS across the globe who can empathize with what you are going through. You are no longer alone in your RLS journey. An RLS Foundation membership gives you discounted pricing on events such as our upcoming National RLS Patient Symposium, where you will meet individuals from all over the country and foster lifelong connections with those in your same shoes. Sharing personal stories, triumphs and challenges with others who can relate provides a sense of camaraderie and emotional support that can be invaluable for individuals coping with RLS.

3. CREATING YOUR LEGACY THROUGH ADVOCACY

Members of the RLS Foundation have the chance to actively participate in advocacy efforts that aim to raise awareness about RLS and improve the lives of those living with the disease. Through the Foundation’s initiatives, you can contribute to public policy discussions, promote research funding, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to advance the understanding and treatment of RLS. By joining forces with like-minded individuals and making your voice heard, you have the power to affect meaningful change and make a lasting impact on the RLS community for future generations to come.

4. THE ONLY DEDICATED RLS RESEARCH GRANT PROGRAM

As an RLS Foundation member, you contribute to the Foundation’s efforts to fund research and drive advancements in the field of RLS. The financial support from membership fees and donations directly fuels research projects such as small clinical trials to investigate new treatment options, with the end goal of finding a cure. By actively supporting these initiatives, you play an instrumental role in accelerating progress, ultimately benefiting not only yourself but also future generations affected by RLS.

5. EXCLUSIVE MEMBER-ONLY BENEFITS

In addition to the broader benefits of knowledge, community, advocacy and research advancements, RLS Foundation members enjoy exclusive perks. These include discounts on RLS Foundation merchandise in our online store, priority registration for events and conferences, and access to special member-only content in the Member Portal on our website. Four times a year, each member receives our quarterly news magazine, NightWalkers, which is meticulously planned, written and edited to deliver news about the latest happenings at the RLS Foundation and in the RLS realm. Our members also receive our Special Accommodations Card for use when traveling, along with our Medical Alert Card, which outlines medications that often trigger RLS and provides safe alternatives.

From gaining access to expert resources and support from a community of peers, to actively participating in advocacy efforts and contributing to research advancements, an RLS Foundation membership offers a comprehensive range of benefits. By joining or renewing, individuals not only empower themselves with knowledge and support but also contribute to the overall mission of improving the understanding and treatment of RLS to improve the quality of life for those living with the disease. The nominal fee to join or renew your membership is $40, but the benefits that come with it bring peace of mind in knowing that you are a member of an active and supportive community that alone is priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions About RLS Foundation Membership

At the RLS Foundation, we appreciate your support through membership. All RLS Foundation members can be proud of the part they play in making our mission a reality and reaching our goals to improve treatments and, through research, find a cure. If you have additional questions about membership, email info@rls.org or call (512) 366-9109.

New Membership

Q: What do I receive when I become an RLS Foundation member?

A: When you sign up for an RLS Foundation membership, you will receive a new member packet in the mail (or via email for international members) that includes the most recent edition of NightWalkers; up-to-date publications on the diagnosis, treatment and management of RLS; helpful handouts to carry with you, like the Medical Alert Card and Special Accommodations card for travel; and more! In addition to these benefits, you will gain unlimited access to resources through the online Member Portal, which contains all RLS Foundation publications, webinar recordings and an archive of all NightWalkers issues.

Q: Is there an annual membership fee?

A: The RLS Foundation receives the majority of its funding from membership and individual donations, plus a small portion from grants. RLS Foundation memberships have an annual fee of $40. Over 77% of funds raised go directly toward RLS Foundation programs, including member/patient services, awareness outreach and educational resources developed by medical experts, and funding for the only research grant program dedicated to RLS.

Q: Is my membership fee tax deductible?

A: Yes. Because the RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, all contributions – including membership fees and donations – are tax deductible up to the full extent permissible by law. Emails and letters from the Foundation acknowledging your donation serve as gift acknowledgments for tax purposes.

Q: How do I become a member?

A: Choose one of three easy ways: 1) Go to www.rls.org/become-a-member to provide your contact information and pay with a credit card; 2) Call us at (512) 366-9109 to provide all information by phone; or 3) Download a new member form at www.rls.org/joinform and mail the completed form along with a check payable in US funds to the RLS Foundation. Memberships take up to 24 business hours to process.

Q: Is financial assistance available?

A: Absolutely. In addition to offering discounted membership specials twice a year, scholarship memberships are available at no cost to those in need. If Foundation membership is outside of your budget, please email us at info@rls.org or call (512) 366-9109 to request a free or discounted scholarship membership.

Membership Renewal

Q: When does my membership renew?

A: All annual memberships renew on September 30, according to our fiscal year. However, regardless of your join date, you will receive four issues of NightWalkers (equivalent to one year’s worth of membership) for the calendar year in which you join.

Q: How can I tell if my membership has expired?

A: There are several ways to check the status of your RLS Foundation membership: 1) View the back of your most recent copy of NightWalkers to locate the expiration date of your membership, printed above your name and address. 2) Go online to our website (www.rls.org), click “Member Login,” enter your username and password and click “Renew Your Membership Here.” You will be routed to a page that lists your membership details, including status. IMPORTANT NOTE: Membership status will only be listed if you are first logged into the website with your user name and password. 3) Give us a call at (512) 366-9109 or email us at info@rls.org. We’re happy to check your record in our system!

Q: How do I renew my membership?

A: Go online to our website at www.rls.org/renew, or click “Member Login,” enter your username and password, then click “Renew Your Membership Here.” You can also renew over the phone by calling (512) 366-9109 or by sending a US check payable to the RLS Foundation. Please be sure to specify “Membership” in the memo section of your check.

Q: I accidentally renewed my membership twice. Can you help?

A: A second transaction through the renewal page will be applied as an additional year of membership. If you prefer to apply this as a donation or to request a refund, please contact us right away at (512) 366-9109.

Member Portal

Q: I purchased a membership. Why can’t I open the online resources?

A: After purchasing an RLS Foundation membership, you must also create an online account to gain access to the Member Portal. Go to www.rls.org/login and click “New User Registration.” You will be asked to create a username and a password.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The password must be at least 12 characters, including at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one special character, and should not include "RLS". Registration requests take up to 24 business hours to be linked to your membership record. We recommend completing this step immediately after purchasing your membership to expedite the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About RLS Foundation Membership

At the RLS Foundation, we appreciate your support through membership. All RLS Foundation members can be proud of the part they play in making our mission a reality and reaching our goals to improve treatments and, through research, find a cure. If you have additional questions about membership, email info@rls.org or call (512) 366-9109.

New Membership

Q: What do I receive when I become an RLS Foundation member?

A: When you sign up for an RLS Foundation membership, you will receive a new member packet in the mail (or via email for international members) that includes the most recent edition of NightWalkers; up-to-date publications on the diagnosis, treatment and management of RLS; helpful handouts to carry with you, like the Medical Alert Card and Special Accommodations card for travel; and more! In addition to these benefits, you will gain unlimited access to resources through the online Member Portal, which contains all RLS Foundation publications, webinar recordings and an archive of all NightWalkers issues.

Q: Is there an annual membership fee?

A: The RLS Foundation receives the majority of its funding from membership and individual donations, plus a small portion from grants. RLS Foundation memberships have an annual fee of $35 in the US and $45 internationally. Over 77% of funds raised go directly toward RLS Foundation programs, including member/patient services, awareness outreach and educational resources developed by medical experts, and funding for the only research grant program dedicated to RLS.

Q: Is my membership fee tax deductible?

A: Yes. Because the RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, all contributions – including membership fees and donations – are tax deductible up to the full extent permissible by law. Emails and letters from the Foundation acknowledging your donation serve as gift acknowledgments for tax purposes.

Q: How do I become a member?

A: Choose one of three easy ways: 1) Go to www.rls.org/become-a-member to provide your contact information and pay with a credit card; 2) Call us at (512) 366-9109 to provide all information by phone; or 3) Download a new member form at www.rls.org/joinform and mail the completed form along with a check payable in US funds to the RLS Foundation. Memberships take up to 24 business hours to process.

Q: Is financial assistance available?

A: Absolutely. In addition to offering discounted membership specials twice a year, scholarship memberships are available at no cost to those in need. If Foundation membership is outside of your budget, please email us at info@rls.org or call (512) 366- 9109 to request a free or discounted scholarship membership.

Membership Renewal

Q: When does my membership renew?

A: All annual memberships renew on September 30, according to our fiscal year. However, regardless of your join date, you will receive four issues of NightWalkers (equivalent to one year’s worth of membership) for the calendar year in which you join.

Q: How can I tell if my membership has expired?

A: There are several ways to check the status of your RLS Foundation membership: 1) View the back of your most recent copy of NightWalkers to locate the expiration date of your membership, printed above your name and address. 2) Go online to our website (www.rls.org), click “Member Login,” enter your username and password and click “Renew Your Membership Here.” You will be routed to a page that lists your membership details, including status. IMPORTANT NOTE: Membership status will only be listed if you are first logged into the website with your user name and password. 3) Give us a call at (512) 366-9109 or email us at info@rls.org. We’re happy to check your record in our system!

Q: How do I renew my membership?

A: Go online to our website at www.rls.org/renew, or click “Member Login,” enter your username and password, then click “Renew Your Membership Here.” You can also renew over the phone by calling (512) 366-9109 or by sending a US check payable to the RLS Foundation. Please be sure to specify “Membership” in the memo section of your check.

Q: I accidentally renewed my membership twice. Can you help?

A: A second transaction through the renewal page will be applied as an additional year of membership. If you prefer to apply this as a donation or to request a refund, please contact us right away at (512) 366-9109.

Member Portal

Q: I purchased a membership. Why can’t I open the online resources?

A: After purchasing an RLS Foundation membership, you must also create an online account to gain access to the Member Portal. Go to www.rls.org/login and click “New User Registration.” You will be asked to create a username and a password.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The password must be at least 12 characters, including at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one special character, and should not include "RLS". Registration requests take up to 24 business hours to be linked to your membership record. We recommend completing this step immediately after purchasing your membership to expedite the process.

Dear Karla: How can joining the RLS Foundation benefit me in the future?

Curiously yours,
Ben with RLS

Great question, Ben! The work we do here today impacts our future good works supporting the RLS community.

One of the best ways you can manage your RLS is to become your own personal advocate. RLS Foundation membership equips you with the support and knowledge that allows you to stay ahead on cutting edge treatments leading to new diagnostic criteria, treatments to manage your disease and the only dedicated research program that seeks the causes and cures for RLS.

Nearly 20 years ago, I was a mom with an 11-year-old daughter who presented with a strange set of symptoms to the medical community. The diagnosis of RLS was missed by 9 doctors practicing in several specialty areas—she was ignored and told that she would just have to live with her condition. Thanks to Dr. Google, I found a name for the descriptive term she provided for the ailment afflicting her sleep each night. One night at 2 am, the RLS Foundation appeared in my search. As I poured through the pages of information, I found the name of the disease that stopped an 11-year-old dead in her tracks. If it were not for the committed members of this organization, I would not have found the name of the disease or a doctor knowledgeable in treating pediatric RLS. It wasn’t easy and we, as a family, live with the daily challenges of the disease. But for a kid who was failing out of school because of an undiagnosed sleep disorder, she graduated at the top of her class in college with a triple major because of the knowledge gained from the RLS Foundation’s scientific-based resources. I will be forever grateful to the members who made this possible to a mom on a quest for information.

Today, as Executive Director at the RLS Foundation, I am charged with creating and implementing actionable programs to increase our outreach. I marvel at the work of volunteers that serve on our Executive Board, Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, Support Group Leaders, Contacts and Discussion Board Moderators. Together, we work collectively to support, educate, advocate and conduct research that benefits every member of the RLS community.

A small committed group of individuals gathered around a dining room table in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1992; the same year that my daughter was born. The resolve and vision of these courageous individuals was clear – to create a Foundation to serve as the voice of our community. Who would have known that ten years later our family would need the Foundation and community of support.

As you can see, our community of caring and committed members raise the voice for RLS at the local, national and international level. Our volunteers serve as support group leaders, board members on NIH and DoD committees, and certified providers at Quality Care Centers in both the US and in Europe.

The power of membership is the key to advancing the needs of our community. I invite you to click here and take the same step that I did nearly twenty years ago.

Thank you for your question Ben. Becoming a member of the RLS Foundation will benefit you in the future because membership ensures the latest news and resources on the advances in RLS treatment which are published in NightWalkers and readily available for members like you. Plus your membership fee will support the only grant program specifically funding RLS research. In 2019 the RLS Foundation funded Doctor Sergi Ferré, PHD in exploring how opioid medications work in the brain to relieve RLS Symptoms. As a result we are actively seeking advancement in treatments on your behalf. Your membership also directly drives our advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to educate providers, ensure medical research is governmentally funded and combat the opioid epidemic by providing a safe harbor in policy or legislation for RLS patients like you. Your membership preserves for you a community of support, access to new medical treatments and hope for a cure.