Episode notes
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.…
Podcast
RLS Unplugged
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation · Learning · English
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
More from RLS Unplugged All episodes →
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S2 · E1 · 9 Jul 2026 · 26 min
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…
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S1 · E5 · 16 Oct 2025 · 23 min
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…
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S1 · E4 · 9 Oct 2025 · 25 min
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…
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S1 · E3 · 2 Oct 2025 · 25 min
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…
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S1 · E2 · 23 Sep 2025 · 18 min
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…
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