About the RLS Foundation

The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation began in 1989 when eight people with restless legs syndrome or RLS, began sharing letters and discussing their “rare” condition. In 1992, the Foundation was incorporated as a nonprofit organization to address the growing need for research and information about this unknown condition. Their goals were simple and yet groundbreaking: increase awareness, improve treatments, and, through research, find a cure.

Our understanding of RLS has grown, we now know that the condition is not rare at all. In fact, research suggests that up to 7-8 percent of the general population has this neurological condition. It is perhaps the most common condition you have never heard of, affecting approximately 10 million adults and 1.5 million children and adolescents in the United States.

Increase Awareness

The RLS Foundation is spreading the word about RLS -- a serious, yet treatable condition with a very significant impact on quality of life. By educating healthcare providers about RLS symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, the RLS Foundation helps patients receive the quality care they both need and deserve. 

Improve Treatments

The Foundation continually strives to be the most reputable source of information on RLS. Our renowned Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, composed of leading RLS experts from all over the world, has written several publications on the diagnosis and treatment of RLS.

Through Research, Find a Cure

The Foundation has taken giant strides to further RLS research, funding grants for 48 research projects totaling nearly $2 million.