Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Blog

September 23, 2024

Recognizing RLS Awareness Day on September 23

RLS Awareness Day is recognized annually every September 23 – and this year, we are recognizing it all week!

Restless legs syndrome is a serious neurological disorder that affects 10 million adults and 1.5 million children. The lack of awareness surrounding this disease means that many face lengthy delays in receiving an RLS diagnosis, receiving adequate treatment or finding a community of support who understands the impact of RLS on daily life. Each day this week, we will have a new way you can raise awareness through one of five focuses: awareness, education, research, advocacy, and building a community of support.

We encourage members of the global RLS community to take part in recognizing this important day by following us on social media, sharing our posts, taking part in our Awareness Day activities, and lending your voice to help amplify the visibility of RLS throughout the medical and public spheres.

Throughout this week, take part in one or all of our special focuses on Facebook, Instagram, X.com and LinkedIn by engaging or sharing your own personal journey using the tag #MyRLSStory.

Monday, September 23

Raising Awareness

Share one thing you wish everyone knew about RLS by responding to our posts on Facebook or Instagram!

Tuesday, September 24

Education

Refresh your RLS knowledge by viewing a video from Dr. Lourdes DelRosso, a sleep physician and professor at UCSF, and RLS expert on the intricacies of RLS in pediatrics. Stay tuned on our socials to access the recording!

Wednesday, September 25

Research

The RLS Foundation Research Grant Program has funded 50 grants, totaling nearly $2 million, in its mission to fund research that helps us gain a better understanding of the disease, improve treatments, and ultimately, to find a cure.

This year, we are excited to announce the funding of four research grants – all of which uniquely drive forward our mission! Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, so you can share this exciting news with your family and friends.

Thursday, September 26

Advocacy

There are many forms of advocacy – self advocacy as a patient, advocating for the needs of your community through legislative action, advocating for a support system, and advocating for awareness in the medical community. Learn how the Foundation supports advocacy on our socials!

Friday, September 27

Community of Support

Comment a phrase or message of hope across the RLS Foundation’s social platforms and let your fellow RLS community members know that they are not alone and there are people who understand and empathize with their experiences.

Happy RLS Awareness Day!