WHEREAS, Restless Legs Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and a distressing, irresistible urge to move them; and
     WHEREAS, An estimated 10 million adults in the United States—3 percent of our country—and millions of others worldwide have been affected by Restless Legs Syndrome, a disease for which there is no known cure; and
     WHEREAS, The diagnostic accuracy of Restless Legs Syndrome is an issue among clinicians; of those meeting the criteria for Restless Legs Syndrome in the Restless Legs Syndrome Epidemiology, Symptoms, and Treatment study, only 6.2 percent of patients received a diagnosis of Restless Legs Syndrome; and
     WHEREAS, Symptoms typically include an urge to move the legs caused by uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations in the legs, presenting or worsening in the evening or night, and as daytime symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome have been established; and
     WHEREAS, Restless Legs Syndrome has an impact on sleep, concentration, and work productivity; with 68.6 percent of patients needing more than 30 minutes (generally regarded as pathologic) to initiate sleep and 60.1 percent waking 3 or more times per night; with 49.7 percent of patients reporting that symptoms adversely affect next day concentration; and with patients with moderate-to-severe Restless Legs Syndrome having an overall mean loss of workplace productivity of 1 day per 40-hour work week; and
     WHEREAS, Increased awareness and expanded knowledge of the realities of life with Restless Legs Syndrome will allow the community at large to better support people who struggle with the challenges of this condition; and
     WHEREAS, The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is a nonprofit organization; and
     WHEREAS, The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation and other groups around our country have joined together to promote Restless Legs Syndrome awareness and support—including improved education, diagnosis, research, and treatment; and
     WHEREAS, The Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation is urging patients and their supporters, health care providers, and the general public to demonstrate their caring by sharing the road patients walk, the facts about Restless Legs Syndrome, and ever-growing awareness about the etiology of this disorder and treatments; and
     WHEREAS, The community's focus on Restless Legs Syndrome and its impact on patients' lives will help give hope for a better future for people with Restless Legs Syndrome;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the needs of these chronically ill people and urge all of our citizens to support the search for a cure and assist those individuals and families who deal with this condition on a daily basis.