RLS Unplugged
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
4.7from 10 ratings
- 11
- Episodes
- 10
- Ratings
- Monthly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About RLS Unplugged
RLS Unplugged welcomes listeners seeking information on restless legs syndrome, a serious neurological disorder. This podcast is hosted by Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, a 501(c) nonprofit. Each episode features experts in the sleep field and dives deep into RLS pathophysiology, management strategies, emerging science and the personal impact of living with the condition. This podcast is made possible thanks to support from Azurity Pharmaceuticals. For more resources, visit the RLS Foundation website at www.rls.org or email info@rls.org
- Publisher
- Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
- Category
- education
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 17 Sept 2025
- Latest episode
- 13 Aug 2026
Latest episodes
11 episodes in the feed.
13 Aug 2026
Surgery and Hospitalization with RLS with Dr. J. Andrew Berkowski
Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, welcomes back Dr. J. Andrew Berkowski, a sleep specialist at ReLACS Health, a direct specialty care clinic specializing in telemedicine care of RLS and complex sleep disorders. This important discussion centers around the steps RLS patients should take to prepare for a hospital visit, as well as the intricacies of surgery in patients with RLS. Dr. Berkowski currently serves patients in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Arizona. 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: J. Andrew Berkowski MD, ReLACS Health 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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
6 Aug 2026
Q&A with Panel of Experts
This unique episode of RLS Unplugged features the Q&A session from the RLS Foundation’s annual Virtual Summit. The speakers answer audience-submitted questions, moderated by Dr. Shalini Paruthi, sleep medicine physician at John Cochran VA Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. This session includes presentations from: Dr. Christopher Earley at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center Dr. Katie Cederberg at Stanford University Dr. John Winkelman at Massachusetts General Hospital Dr. William Ondo at Houston Methodist Neurological Institute And Dr. Brian Koo at Yale Center for Sleep Medicine 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 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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
30 Jul 2026
Research on Buprenorphine for RLS with Dr. J. Andrew Berkowski
Dr. J. Andrew Berkowski – who was also featured in Season 1 of RLS Unplugged – joins us once again to discuss specific research related to buprenorphine for RLS. Dr. Berkowski is a sleep specialist at ReLACS Health, a direct specialty care clinic specializing in telemedicine care of RLS and complex sleep disorders and currently serves patients in Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Arizona. 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: J. Andrew Berkowski, MD, ReLACS Health 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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
23 Jul 2026
A Review of RLS and Stroke with Dr. Mark Boulos
Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, is delighted to be joined by Dr. Mark Boulos, a sleep neurologist, associate professor and researcher in the division of neurology at the University of Toronto. In this episode, Dr. Boulos discusses important research, associations and clinical outcomes related to RLS and stroke. 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 Boulos, MD, University of Toronto and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre 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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
16 Jul 2026
When Should I Visit an RLS Quality Care Center? with Dr. Avinash Aggarwal
In the next episode of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, welcomes Dr. Avinash Aggarwal, director of the RLS Quality Care Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Aggarwal provides an overview of the RLS Foundation’s Quality Care Center network, which are centers that have been rigorously reviewed and approved as centers offering expert RLS management. 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: Avinash Aggarwal, MD, University of Pittsburgh 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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
9 Jul 2026
How to Educate Your Healthcare Provider with Karla Dzienkowski
In the first episode of season 2 of RLS Unplugged, Karla Dzienkowski, Executive Director of the RLS Foundation, provides you with tips and tricks on how to educate your healthcare provider, to help you have more effective conversations with your treating-physician. 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 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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
16 Oct 2025
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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
9 Oct 2025
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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
2 Oct 2025
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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
23 Sept 2025
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 (mailto:info@rls.org).
17 Sept 2025
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.
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- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 4.7 / 5
- 9 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 1 ratings
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