Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs—an irresistible urge to move them, especially at night. At Vector Sleep Diagnostic Center in Rego Park, Queens, NY, board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Dmitriy Kolesnik, MD provides expert diagnosis and treatment for RLS and related sleep disorders.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome (Willis-Ekbom Disease) is a sensorimotor disorder characterized by an overwhelming urge to move the legs, typically triggered by rest or inactivity and relieved by movement. Symptoms most often appear or worsen in the evening and nighttime hours, making it one of the most common causes of sleep-onset insomnia.
Common Symptoms of RLS
- Crawling, creeping, or aching sensations in the legs
- Symptoms that worsen at rest and improve with movement
- Involuntary leg jerking during sleep (periodic limb movement disorder)
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to leg discomfort
- Daytime fatigue from disrupted nighttime sleep
How We Diagnose RLS at Vector Sleep Diagnostic Center
RLS is primarily a clinical diagnosis based on your symptom history and a thorough neurological examination by Dr. Kolesnik. When periodic limb movements during sleep are suspected, a polysomnography (overnight sleep study) may be ordered to quantify limb movement frequency and assess the impact on sleep architecture.
Diagnostic Process
- Clinical evaluation: Detailed review of symptom onset, frequency, severity, and family history
- Blood work: Iron, ferritin, and B12 levels—iron deficiency is a leading secondary cause of RLS
- Overnight sleep study (PSG): Measures periodic limb movements and their effect on sleep quality when indicated
- Neurological assessment: Rules out peripheral neuropathy and other conditions that can mimic RLS
RLS Treatment Options at Vector Sleep Diagnostic Center
Treatment is individualized to severity, underlying causes, and any coexisting sleep disorders. Dr. Kolesnik develops a personalized plan that may include:
Non-Medication Approaches
- Iron supplementation for deficiency-related RLS
- Sleep hygiene optimization and consistent sleep schedule
- Regular moderate-intensity aerobic exercise
- Leg massage and warm or cool compresses before bedtime
- Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, and antihistamines that worsen symptoms
Medication-Based Treatment
- Dopaminergic agents: First-line pharmacologic therapy for moderate-to-severe RLS
- Alpha-2-delta calcium channel ligands (gabapentinoids): Preferred for RLS with concurrent insomnia or pain
- Benzodiazepine receptor agonists: Used to improve sleep continuity when limb movements are prominent
- Opioids: Reserved for refractory cases under specialist supervision
Related Services at Vector Sleep Diagnostic Center
RLS often coexists with other sleep disorders. Our center provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for:
- Overnight Sleep Studies (Polysomnography) — quantifies periodic limb movements and sleep disruption
- Specialized Sleep Evaluations — for complex or treatment-resistant cases including narcolepsy and hypopnea
- Sleep Apnea Care — RLS and sleep apnea frequently coexist
Why Choose Vector Sleep Diagnostic Center for RLS Treatment
- Board-certified neurologist and sleep specialist: Dr. Kolesnik holds dual ABPN certifications in Neurology and Sleep Medicine
- Clinical Instructor, Weill Cornell Medical College since 2012 — academic foundation in sleep neurology
- Hospital affiliation: NewYork-Presbyterian Queens (Weill Cornell Medicine affiliate)
- Rego Park location: Conveniently accessible from Queens, Jackson Heights, Forest Hills, and surrounding neighborhoods
- Comprehensive evaluation: RLS evaluated within the full context of your sleep health

MEDICALLY REVIEWED BY
Board-Certified Neurologist & Sleep Medicine Specialist · Medical Director, Vector Sleep Diagnostic Center
