National Restless Legs Awareness Day
National Restless Legs Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease. It’s a neurological condition characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like crawling, tingling, or burning.
Quick Facts
When is it?: September 23rd annually
Tagged as: Health Awareness Day
What’s the hashtag?: #RLSAD
When was it founded?: 2012
Who founded it?: The RLS Foundation
History of National Restless Legs Awareness Day
The day was established to coincide with the birthday of Professor Karl-Axel Ekbom (September 23, 1907), a Swedish neurologist who first described RLS in detail in his 1945 doctoral thesis. Though Sir Thomas Willis initially documented the condition in 1672, Ekbom’s work brought significant attention to understanding and treating RLS.
Timeline
- 1672: First description by Sir Thomas Willis
- 1907: Birth of Professor Karl-Axel Ekbom
- 1945: Ekbom’s detailed description of RLS
- 2012: First RLS Awareness Day observed
- 2013: North Carolina officially recognizes the day
Dates 2025-2030
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | September 23 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 23 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 23 | Thursday |
| 2028 | September 23 | Saturday |
| 2029 | September 23 | Sunday |
| 2030 | September 23 | Monday |
How It’s Observed
People commemorate this day by sharing information about RLS, attending medical seminars, participating in support groups, and raising awareness through social media campaigns. Healthcare providers often organize special clinics and educational sessions.
Fun Facts About RLS
- Affects approximately 7-10% of the US population
- Women are twice as likely to develop RLS than men
- About 25% of pregnant women develop temporary RLS
- Symptoms typically worsen in the evening
- Can affect both adults and children
Quiz
- What percentage of Americans have RLS?
- Who first documented RLS?
- What year was RLS Awareness Day established?
- What is the alternative name for RLS?
(Answers: 1. 7-10% 2. Sir Thomas Willis 3. 2012 4. Willis-Ekbom Disease)
FAQs
Q: Can children get RLS?
A: Yes, approximately 1.5 million children in the US are affected.
Q: Is RLS curable?
A: While there’s no cure, symptoms can be managed through various treatments.
Q: Is RLS hereditary?
A: Yes, 40-90% of people with RLS have a family history of the condition.
Related
- World Sleep Day
- Brain Awareness Week
- National Sleep Awareness Week
- International Neurology Day
- World Health Day