Restless Legs Syndrome may have an impact on friends, family members, and co-workers, as well as the people who actually have the condition. You can play an important role in supporting a family member or friend who has Restless Legs Syndrome.

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

Friends and family of people with Restless Legs Syndrome may not realize that it can affect their sleep and leave them feeling too tired to participate in daily activities. Also, the symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome usually start or worsen when a person sits still, so patients may try to avoid situations such as long movies, extended car trips, or sitting through long meetings.

A way to help someone with Restless Legs Syndrome is to be supportive. Encourage them to see their doctor or healthcare professional about their symptoms as soon as possible. Learn about Restless Legs Syndrome and what causes it, or join a local Restless Legs Syndrome support group. These groups bring both people with Restless Legs Syndrome and their families and friends together to share information and insights on living with Restless Legs Syndrome.

If you think someone you know might have RLS, tell him or her about this site.