RLS Unplugged

15 RLS Myths with Dr. Andrew Berkowski

In this episode of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, is joined by Dr. Andrew Berkowski, a board certified sleep specialist and neurologist. Dr. Berkowski is a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group, and most recently serves as vice chair of the AASM’s Clinical Practice Guidelines Task Force for the Treatment of RLS published in January 2025. In this episode, Dr. Berkowski breaks down 15 common myths and misconceptions associated with RLS. From old wives’ tales like soap under the sheets to misunderstandings in iron testing and other medical procedures - Dr. Berkowski separates fact from fiction. Tune in for a quick, myth-busting recap that brings clarity to this often-misunderstood condition. All content offered in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Individuals suspecting they may have RLS should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Host: Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN, RLS Foundation Executive Director Guest speaker: Andrew J. Berkowski, MD, ReLACS Health [https://www.relacshealth.com/] Produced By: Frank Garza, Charge Productions Executive Producer: Adrianna Colucci, RLS Foundation Communications Coordinator The RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of those living with restless legs syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. RLS affects an estimated 10 million adults and 1.5 million children in the United States. For more resources including support groups, educational events or scientifically reviewed publications, visit the RLS Foundation website at www.rls.org [http://www.rls.org/]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RLSFoundation Have additional questions? Call the RLS Foundation at (512) 366-9109 or email info@rls.org [info@rls.org].

Understanding Augmentation with Dr. Mark Buchfuhrer

In this episode of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, is joined by Dr. Mark Buchfuhrer, a certified RLS clinician at the RLS Quality Care Center at Stanford Sleep Medicine Center. In this episode, Dr. Buchfuhrer provides an overview of augmentation - a serious side effect of dopaminergic medications that can cause an increase in severity and intensity of RLS symptoms. This is an essential episode for everyone in the RLS community to listen to, offering the information needed to stay informed, proactive and empowered. All content offered in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Individuals suspecting they may have RLS should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Host: Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN, RLS Foundation Executive Director Guest speaker: Mark Buchfuhrer, MD, Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital Produced By: Frank Garza, Charge Productions Executive Producer: Adrianna Colucci, RLS Foundation Communications Coordinator The RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of those living with restless legs syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. RLS affects an estimated 10 million adults and 1.5 million children in the United States. For more resources including support groups, educational events or scientifically reviewed publications, visit the RLS Foundation website at www.rls.org [http://www.rls.org/]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RLSFoundation Have additional questions? Call the RLS Foundation at (512) 366-9109 or email info@rls.org [info@rls.org].

RLS Lifestyle and Behavioral Strategies with Dr. Shalini Paruthi

In this episode of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, is joined by sleep expert and adjunct professor at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Shalini Paruthi. Dr. Paruthi explores some of the lifestyle changes and non-prescription therapies that may alleviate RLS symptoms, such as sleep architecture, exercise, diet, massage devices, cryotherapy and more.  Drawing on her clinical experience and sleep research, Dr. Paruthi shares practical advice for navigating RLS in daily life and emphasizes the importance of individualized care. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or looking for alternative ways to manage symptoms alongside traditional treatments, this conversation offers helpful insights you won’t want to miss. All content offered in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Individuals suspecting they may have RLS should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Host: Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN, RLS Foundation Executive Director Guest speaker: Shalini Paruthi, Saint Louis University School of Medicine Produced By: Frank Garza, Charge Productions Executive Producer: Adrianna Colucci, RLS Foundation Communications Coordinator The RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of those living with restless legs syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. RLS affects an estimated 10 million adults and 1.5 million children in the United States. For more resources including support groups, educational events or scientifically reviewed publications, visit the RLS Foundation website at www.rls.org [http://www.rls.org/]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RLSFoundation Have additional questions? Call the RLS Foundation at (512) 366-9109 or email info@rls.org [info@rls.org].

RLS Treatment Options with Dr. William Ondo

In the next episode of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, is joined once again by Dr. William Ondo, RLS Quality Care Center Director at Houston Methodist. In this follow-up to episode 1, Dr. Ondo discusses common pharmacological treatments for RLS management. He breaks down current treatment approaches, potential side effects (including augmentation) and what patients might expect when exploring these options. If you’re looking to better understand how RLS is managed through medication, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to check out episode 1 of RLS Unplugged where Dr. Ondo provides an overview of RLS if you haven’t listened yet! All content offered in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Individuals suspecting they may have RLS should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Host: Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN, RLS Foundation Executive Director Guest speaker: William Ondo, MD, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute Produced By: Frank Garza, Charge Productions Executive Producer: Adrianna Colucci, RLS Foundation Communications Coordinator The RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of those living with restless legs syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. RLS affects an estimated 10 million adults and 1.5 million children in the United States. For more resources including support groups, educational events or scientifically reviewed publications, visit the RLS Foundation website at www.rls.org [http://www.rls.org/]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RLSFoundation Have additional questions? Call the RLS Foundation at (512) 366-9109 or email info@rls.org [info@rls.org].

What is RLS?

In the first episode of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, welcomes Dr. William Ondo, RLS Quality Care Center Director at Houston Methodist to the podcast. In this episode, Dr. Ondo lays the foundation for understanding RLS, answering: -         What is RLS? -         How is it diagnosed? -         What conditions can mimic RLS? -         What do we know about the underlying biology of the disease? Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one with RLS or simply curious, this episode serves as your starting point for learning about this common, yet underdiagnosed disease. This podcast is made possible thanks to support from Azurity Pharmaceuticals. These episodes make information easily accessible – even while you’re walking! All content offered in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Individuals suspecting they may have RLS should consult a qualified healthcare provider. Host: Karla Dzienkowski, RN, BSN, RLS Foundation Executive Director Guest speaker: William Ondo, MD, Houston Methodist Neurological Institute Produced By: Frank Garza, Charge Productions Executive Producer: Adrianna Colucci, RLS Foundation Communications Coordinator The RLS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that aims to improve the lives of those living with restless legs syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. RLS affects an estimated 10 million adults and 1.5 million children in the United States. For more resources including support groups, educational events or scientifically reviewed publications, visit the RLS Foundation website at www.rls.org [http://www.rls.org/]. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RLSFoundation Have additional questions? Call the RLS Foundation at (512) 366-9109 or email info@rls.org.