Sleep is essential to our health and well-being, however, for individuals with Parkinson's Disease, it is even more important as the body needs more time to restore and repair itself. However, those with Parkinson's often have trouble getting a good night's sleep which can interfere with the healing that happens during sleep. Continue reading to find out more about Parkinson's and how sleep can be impacted. 

What is Parkinson's?

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms generally develop slowly over years, and the progression is a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. 

Individuals with Parkinson's may experience a tremor, bradykinesia, limb rigidity, and gait and balance problems. The cause of Parkinson's is very unknown, and although there is no cure, treatment options vary. Parkinson's is not fatal, however, it's disease complications eventually can be. 

What are the most common sleeping issues?

Individuals living with Parkinson's may experience sleep disturbances, excessive daytime sleepiness, talking or yelling while asleep, vivid dreaming, leg movements, difficulty turning over in bed, and waking up to go to the bathroom. 

How to get better sleep with Parkinson's

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's, there is a way to live with it. In order to get better sleep, there are certain things you can do to maximize your sleep. Tips for better sleep include: 

• Keeping a regular sleep schedule 
• Choosing a bedtime on when you want to get up 
• Make a bedtime routine 
• Spend time outside everyday 
• Sleep in a cool place 
• Don't do anything in bed besides sleep and sex
• Use the bathroom before going to bed 
• Use satin sheets and pajamas to make moving in bed easier

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness is seen in about 30-50% of people with Parkinson's disease. It is more prominent as the disease advances. Daytime sleepiness may arise for many reasons including a poor night's sleep or the use of dopaminergic medications. 

EDS can be treated with the tips above, as well as by establishing a good sleep hygiene, exposure to adequate light, physical exercise, and avoiding doing sedentary activities during the day. These practices may help to combat the excessive sleepiness that PD patients deal with on a day to day. 

If you or someone you know was diagnosed with Parkinson's and is having trouble sleeping, then please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test. 

https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Symptoms/Non-Movement-Symptoms/Sleep-Disorders