SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nearly 7 million Americans suffer from restless legs syndrome (RLS). For many patients suffering from moderate to severe symptoms, RLS is debilitating – disrupting sleep, influencing mood, and negatively affecting everyday life. Restless Legs Syndrome is a common and treatable neurologic disorder and the focus of a social media campaign – #StopMakingExcuses – being launched by XenoPort, Inc. (NASDAQ: XNPT). Timed to recognize Sleep Awareness Week from March 6-13, 2016, the campaign is designed to raise awareness about the impact of RLS on sleep.
“Sleep disturbances can be very detrimental to a person’s productivity as well as have a negative impact on their overall quality-of-life,” said Robin Goldstein, Ed.D., Licensed Psychologist, Boca Raton, Florida. “More than four out of five people living with RLS, and over one third of their partners report that a restful night’s sleep is an area most affected by RLS. It’s time for them to stop making excuses for their symptoms and see a doctor for help.”
There are many patients living with RLS who delay seeking medical help for years. People who experience RLS symptoms may inappropriately attribute difficulty falling or staying asleep to insomnia or other sleep disorders. By not discussing the underlying cause of their sleeping problems they are often misdiagnosed.
Through the #StopMakingExcuses social media campaign, XenoPort wants to educate Americans about RLS and encourage meaningful dialogue, driving sufferers to talk to their doctor about RLS.
“Approximately 75 percent of people who experience symptoms consistent with RLS have not seen a doctor about their discomfort and sleep disturbances,” said Richard K. Kim, M.D., chief medical officer of XenoPort. “#StopMakingExcuses is intended to raise awareness of RLS and is designed to generate a call-to-action encouraging people experiencing symptoms to prioritize a healthier night’s sleep by talking to a medical professional.”
Join the RLS conversation on Facebook or Twitter using the #StopMakingExcuses hashtag. For more information about RLS, visit www.norestforRLS.com.
About Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
Restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is a neurological condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs. This urge is usually caused or accompanied by unpleasant sensations of burning, creeping, tugging or tingling inside the patients' legs, ranging in severity from uncomfortable to painful. These RLS-related symptoms typically begin or worsen during periods of rest or inactivity, particularly when lying down or sitting, and may be temporarily relieved by movement such as walking or massaging the legs. Symptoms often worsen at night, and disturbed sleep is a common result of RLS. Left untreated, moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome may cause exhaustion, daytime fatigue, inability to concentrate and impaired memory.
About XenoPort
To learn more about XenoPort, please visit the Web site at www.XenoPort.com.
XENOPORT is a registered trademark of XenoPort, Inc.
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