Research - Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation

Foundation Funded Research

Donations from the RLS community have funded a record number of research grants in 2024.

Brain Donation

Pre-registration allows brain donations to be earmarked for RLS research.

Grant Opportunities for Junior Investigators

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is currently accepting applications for the Focused Projects Grant for Junior Investigators. This career development grant supports early career investigators dedicated to focusing their research on basic, translational, clinical or population sleep and circadian science.

The RLS Foundation is collaborating with the AASM to co-fund seed money grants for mentored research projects to jumpstart an early career investigator’s research career and provide the necessary support and resources needed to establish a track record of funding. Cycle 1 of the 2026 Focused Projects Grant for Junior Investigators is open only to projects that address one of the following topics:

Restless Leg Syndrome
Idiopathic Hypersomnia
Pediatric Sleep
Diagnosis, Management and Treatment of Sleep Apnea

Grants are open through January 5, 2026.

Learn More

Over $2 Million in Funded RLS Research

Thanks to your generous donations the Foundation has funded over $2 million in competitive research grants for the study of RLS since 1997. Every donation makes a real difference in our understanding of the disease, leading us one step closer to a cure. Join the thousands who have donated to find a cure! Karla M. Dzienkowski, RN, BSN, Executive Director, RLS Foundation

Additional Resources

RLS Foundation Research Grant Program

Since the grant program started in 1997, the RLS Foundation has funded over $2 million in grants to find a cure.

RLS Research Opportunities

Help advance RLS research by getting involved in clinical trials or preregistering for brain donation.