Restless Legs Awareness Day

Celebrated on 09/23/2026

Quick Fact

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) affects up to 10% of the population, yet it was only formally recognized as a distinct medical condition in the 1940s. The name 'Restless Legs Syndrome' was coined by Swedish neurologist Karl-Axel Ekbom in 1945, leading to the alternative name 'Ekbom's syndrome.'

Origins and Establishment of Restless Legs Awareness Day

Restless Legs Awareness Day was established to raise public understanding of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. The day was first observed in 2012, spearheaded by the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (now the RLS Foundation) to coincide with RLS Awareness Week in September. The goal was to reduce stigma, encourage diagnosis, and promote research into treatments.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, Restless Legs Awareness Day has grown from a small advocacy event to a global awareness campaign. The RLS Foundation and partner organizations now host educational webinars, social media campaigns, and community events. The day emphasizes the importance of recognizing RLS as a legitimate medical condition affecting sleep and quality of life. Modern commemoration includes sharing personal stories, distributing informational materials to healthcare providers, and fundraising for RLS research.

Facts & General Observations

RLS affects approximately 7-10% of the US population, with women twice as likely as men to develop the condition. The exact cause of RLS is unknown, but it is linked to genetics, iron deficiency, and dysfunction in the brain's dopamine pathways. * RLS can be primary (no underlying cause) or secondary to conditions like pregnancy, kidney failure, or iron deficiency anemia.

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