Observe Restless Legs Awareness Day Every September 23
Have you ever heard of Restless Legs Syndrome (also called Willis-Ekbom disease or RLS/WED)? No? Neither have a lot of people, but there’s a day dedicated to raising awareness of this confusing condition: Restless Legs Awareness Day.
The day happens every year on September 23. That’s the birthday of the Swedish neurologist who first described the disease in 1945, Professor Karl-Axel Ekbom.
This day is sponsored by a group of organizations dedicated to understanding this disease and how to treat it, including the Willis-Ekbom Disease Foundation and the European Alliance for Restless Legs Syndrome (EARLS).
This day is different from Restless Legs Syndrome Awareness Week held in February.
What is Restless Legs Syndrome?
This condition causes people to have an irresistible urge to move their legs; kick, get up and walk around, stretch, etc. It often happens at night, making sleep difficult if not impossible.
Some people also have symptoms in their arms and/or torso.
This neurological disease affects up to 7% of people around the world.
But it’s not a very well-known disease, and 68% of patients surveyed in 2012 reported it took them at least 3 years to get a diagnosis.
The disease can affect anyone, of any age, race or gender.
It’s not clear what causes RLS/WED, but certain genes seem to increase your risk of getting it. It may also have something to do with blood iron or dopamine levels. Some medical conditions and medications can cause or worsen RLS symptoms also.
It can’t be cured, but can be treated to reduce the symptoms. When symptoms are mild, diet and exercise changes may be all you need.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial holiday.
How to Be Part of Restless Legs Awareness Day
Learn more about RLS, so you can be knowledgeable about spreading awareness. (You might even be able to help someone who has it but doesn’t realize it’s a real disease with a real name).
Then follow the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation on Facebook. They post tips on dealing with it, research news, support group meetings, and more.
They’re also on Twitter.
Consider donating to help find a cure. (Do your own research before donating, please!)
Will you be learning more and helping spread awareness for Restless Legs Awareness Day?
[…] Restless Legs Awareness Day: RLS is a rather confusing disease, and many people have never heard of it. And many who have don’t understand it. After all “restless legs” doesn’t sound all that terrible, does it? But it can be. Because it often keeps people from sleeping. And it’s not always only in the legs. Learn more about it for the day. […]