Sleep medicine for life

From Restless Nights to Restful Lives

Order my latest book

Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in Neurology and

#1 Best seller in Neuroscience!

Navigating Life with Restless Legs Syndrome by Dr. Andrew Spector

This book provides an overview and evidence-based guidance on a condition that afflicts millions of people around the world and their loved ones.

You will learn the most up-to-date treatment approaches to the disorder, the benefits of common medications used to treat RLS, as well as non-pharmacological options such as iron supplements and infusions, along with their potential side effects and long-term risks. RLS during pregnancy and breastfeeding, patients from rural or low-income communities with limited access to health care, and those with dementia, sleep apnea, and insomnia are among the special populations that are also addressed. 

Testimonials

Andy Berkowski, MDReLACS Health, Ann Arbor, MI
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“Dr. Spector articulates the ongoing shift in RLS management away from dopamine agonists with their grave long-term risks to the importance of evaluating and aggressively supplementing iron. This book confronts the complexities of this condition but is eloquently written in a way understandable to a wide audience when updated information about this disease could not be more needed.”
Charlene Gamaldo, MDJohns Hopkins Center for Sleep and Wellness
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"Navigating Life with Restless Legs Syndrome, authored by sleep-trained neurologist Dr. Andrew Spector, stands out as a compassionate and comprehensive guide within the American Academy of Neurology’s Neurology Now Books series. Patient-centric at its core, Dr. Spector skillfully weaves real patient stories with clinical expertise, offering a practical and accessible resource for individuals grappling with restless legs syndrome (RLS) and their supportive partners and caregivers. Delving into diagnosis, treatment options, and the delicate balance of medication, this book not only educates but creates an empathetic connection, inviting readers to feel as if they are in Dr. Spector's office, navigating the complexities of RLS together. This will be a go-to resource for both providers and patients who are tackling RLS."
Samantha ShadRLS Patient
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"Finally, a source of scientific knowledge, sage guidance, and empowering advice. If you have restless legs, as I do, the information in this well-written book will calm your legs and your mind. A must-buy."
Kathy KinkemaRLS Patient
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“I have sought treatment for RLS over the past 10 years and Dr. Spector has validated many of my experiences and struggles with this condition; that in itself provides an important degree of relief. Dr. Spector’s plain language explanation interspersed with personal stories from RLS patients make this book a valuable resource for RLS patients and RLS families, as well as healthcare professionals seeking to understand the condition and its human impacts.”
Chris Winter, MDSleep Specialist/Neurologist, Author of "The Rested Child" and "The Sleep Solution"
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"If ever there was a hidden medical community in need of a one-stop resource for up-to-date information and treatment, it's the restless legs community. Andrew's book is an absolute game-changer."
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Dr. Andrew Spector

About Andrew spector, MD, FAASM, FAAN

Associate Professor in the Dept of Neurology at Duke University School of Medicine

Along with his clinical practice in sleep medicine, he serves as the Program Director of the Sleep Medicine Fellowship and Vice Chair for Professionalism, Inclusion, Diversity, and Empowerment.

He earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan; completed residency training in adult neurology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Jacksonville, Florida; and completed his sleep medicine fellowship training at Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts.

Upcoming Events

Learn from me firsthand

Vanderbilt University
Sleep Medicine Grand Rounds

Advanced management of RLS: Incorporating the new AASM Guidelines

Jan

3

Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation Webinar

Moving Beyond Dopamine Agonists for the treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

Jan

16

Clinical Neurological Society of America

Breaking the Addiction: Moving Beyond Dopamine Agonists for the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

Jan

19

American Academy of Sleep Medicine’s Sleep Medicine Trends 2025

Pro/Con Debate: Treatment algorithms in Restless Legs Syndrome

Antidepressants & Sleep: The Good, The Bad, and the Restless

Feb

7-8

Atrium Health & Wake Forest Baptist Clinical Sleep Symposium 2025

Restless Legs Syndrome (TBD)

Feb

28

Recent Events

Hartford Health/
University of Connecticut School of Medicine/
Connecticut Children's Medical Center
Neuroscience Grand Rounds

Breaking the Addiction: Moving Beyond Dopamine Agonists for the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

Dec

12

Harbor-UCLA Neurology Grand Rounds

Breaking the Addiction: Moving Beyond Dopamine Agonists for the Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome

Oct

2

UNC Sports Medicine Institute

Learn from me about the importance of sleep in sports medicine.

Sept

27

Blog & News

Recent Interviews and Media Appearances

New Treatment Guidelines Transform Care for Restless Legs Syndrome

New Treatment Guidelines Transform Care for Restless Legs Syndrome

Watch or listen as I speak to Dr. Kevin Pho about the management of RLS without the use of dopamine agonists. This podcast is the companion to my accompanying article. 

Nearly Half of Americans Lose Sleep Over 2024 Election Anxiety

Nearly Half of Americans Lose Sleep Over 2024 Election Anxiety

Nearly Half of Americans Lose Sleep Over 2024 Election Anxiety The American Academy of Sleep Medicine commissioned a survey of over 2,000 adults to uncover the top factors contributing to sleep loss. Here are my suggestions to get better sleep in a high stress time. READ MORE

What 4 Experts Who Treat People with Restless Legs Syndrome Want You to Know about the Common Disorder

What 4 Experts Who Treat People with Restless Legs Syndrome Want You to Know about the Common Disorder

YahooLife! featured RLS for RLS Awareness Day on September 23, 2024. Three RLS-specialist colleagues and I provided information on treating this condition. Read the full article here.

The importance of sleep

How to improve your sleep

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of overall health and well-being. It is not just a time for rest, but a vital process that allows the body and mind to repair and rejuvenate, impacting every facet of our lives from cognitive function to physical health.

Cognitive Function

Quality sleep enhances cognitive functions such as memory, problem-solving, and creativity. It ensures that our brain processes information effectively, leading to better decision-making and learning abilities.

Physical Health

Adequate sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining physical health, including regulating hormones and supporting immune function. Poor sleep can lead to a host of health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and weakened immunity.

Emotional Well-being

Good sleep is essential for emotional stability and mental health. It helps regulate mood, reduces stress levels, and decreases the risk of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Sleep Info

2023 Sleep Survey

Wake up feeling rested
0%
Experienced Sleep Apnea
0%
Experienced Restless Leg Syndrome
0%
Experienced Insomnia
0%

Need a medical consult?

Come see me

Book an appointment to see me at Duke Neurology in Durham, NC.