For Family & Friends

If you are a family member or friend of someone with Restless Legs Syndrome(RLS), you can provide much needed support.

It’s important to understand that RLS is a real medical condition, like diabetes, depression, asthma, or high blood pressure. The way patients describe RLS may sound strange to people who've never experienced it, but what's happening is not "all in their heads."

The symptoms of RLS usually start or worsen when a person sits still, so those with RLS may try to avoid situations such as movies, extended car trips, or sitting through long meetings. It can affect their sleep and leave them feeling too tired to participate in daily activities.

A way to help someone with RLS is to be supportive and listen. Encourage them to talk to their doctor about their symptoms as soon as possible.

It’s also important to realize with how RLS may be affecting you. Talk to your loved about how they're coping with the symptoms of RLS makes you feel and things they may be doing that are affecting you.

Additionally, you can learn more about RLS or join a local RLS support group. These groups bring both people with RLS and their families and friends together to share information, tips and insights on living with RLS.