Living with Parkinson’s brings unique challenges, and one crucial aspect of your wellbeing is often overlooked – sleep.

This guide is tailored to empower you with knowledge and practical steps to enhance your sleep quality, addressing issues related to Parkinson’s and sleep to improve overall health.

Empowering your sleep journey

As you navigate the complexities of living with Parkinson’s, remember that your wellbeing is within your control. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can empower yourself to enjoy better sleep, enhance symptom management, and generally have an overall improved quality of life.

Parkinson’s and sleep

Sleep issues and disturbances are common in Parkinson’s and can sometimes serve as early indicators of the condition. (1) Lack of quality sleep not only affects your energy levels and mood but can also impact your bed partner.

Living with Parkinson’s can affect your sleep patterns due to motor symptoms like stiffness causing an inability to easily turn over in bed, medication side effects, and changes in the brain. Understanding the causes of your sleep problems is the first step toward better sleep.

Importance of quality sleep

Quality sleep is vital for everyone, but especially for those people living with Parkinson’s. It plays a crucial role in carrying on maintenance, lowering blood pressure and respiration. This helps with managing symptoms, enhancing thinking and memory, and slowing down overall cognitive decline.

Recognising sleep challenges

Common sleep issues

Many individuals with Parkinson’s face sleep challenges like insomnia, restless legs, and frequent waking. Identifying these issues is essential for developing a tailored approach to improve your sleep.

Medication impacts

Parkinson’s medications, many antidepressants, or some sleeping pills and their side effects can negatively influence sleep. Discuss any concerns with your healthcare team to find a balance that ensures symptom management without compromising your sleep.

Building healthy sleep habits

Establish a consistent sleep routine. Create a bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time to wind down. Consistency helps regulate your body’s internal clock, promoting better sleep. Start with viewing the sunset, lowering lights in the house, and avoiding screen and stimulants at least 1 hour before bedtime.

Identifying & addressing sleep problems in Parkinson’s

Body stiffness & difficulty turning over

Parkinson’s can cause challenges in turning over in bed due to stiffness. Practical solutions, such as satin sleepwear or sheets, along with occupational therapy, can help navigate these issues.

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep Behaviour Disorder

REM sleep behaviour disorder, often an early indicator of Parkinson’s, may lead to disruptive movements, acting out and during sleep. Discuss treatment options with medical specialists and explore safety measures with an occupational therapist.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

Restless Leg Syndrome, while not exclusive to Parkinson’s, affects about one in five individuals with the condition. Treatment options include Parkinson’s medications and addressing iron or ferritin deficiency.

Sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea, characterised by delayed breathing during sleep, can contribute to sleep disturbances. Consult with your GP or seek a referral to a sleep specialist to explore solutions if you think this affects you.

Insomnia and broken sleep patterns

When it comes to Parkinson’s and sleep, insomnia and broken sleep are common symptoms. Maintain a sleep schedule, track patterns, and discuss these issues with your doctor to identify and address potential causes.

Managing fatigue & daytime sleepiness

Understanding fatigue

Fatigue is a significant concern in Parkinson’s, impacting physical and mental well-being. Differentiating between fatigue and the need for sleep is crucial, and managing fatigue involves a comprehensive approach.

Excessive daytime sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness can be linked to Parkinson’s medications and may worsen as the condition progresses. Regularly review medications with your care team to address this issue.

Sleep attacks

Sudden onset sleep, particularly during activities like eating or driving, requires immediate attention. Report any sleep attacks to your medical specialist promptly to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Key Statistics

  1. A study found that 84% of Parkinson’s patients report sleep issues, which are significantly more common than in the general population. These disturbances are strongly linked to increased depression, greater difficulty with independent living, and a decline in quality of life.
  2. Sleep-related problems specific to Parkinson’s disease may occur early and even predate the diagnosis of the disease. These problems can seriously compromise patients’ quality of life and lead to impaired functioning in daily activities.
  3. A cohort study found that participants with high physical activity levels and ideal sleep patterns had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. This suggests that improving sleep quality and maintaining physical activity may be promising intervention targets for the prevention of PD.
  4. Sleep disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease are common and often under-recognised. The assessment of sleep should be part of the routine evaluation of patients with Parkinson’s, and large-scale controlled therapeutic trials are necessary.

Good sleep hygiene

Sleep hygiene top tips

Practising good sleep hygiene can help improve your ability to sleep and includes:

  • Get sunlight first thing in the morning and last thing in the day.
  • Go to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time each day.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Take short daytime naps (aim for 15 to 30 minutes and keep less than 90 minutes and avoiding them after 3pm).
  • Avoid screen time for at least an hour before bed.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants in the evenings.
  • Keep the bedroom dark and cool (around 18.30c).
  • Seek medical advice for sleep issues.

See the Huberman Lab Toolkit for Sleep for more tips (5). 

Remember to practice self-care, stay socially connected, and pace yourself throughout the day.

Infosheet under review

References:

  1. Asadpoordezaki, Z., Henley, B., & Coogan, A. (2023). Sleep Issues in Parkinson’s: A Closer Look at Patient Data. Journal of Sleep Research, 32(4), 123-135.
  2. Dhawan, V., Healy, D. G., Pal, S., & Chaudhuri, K. R. (2006). Sleep-related problems of Parkinson’s disease. Age and Ageing, 35(3), 220-228.
  3. Chen, L.-H., Sun, S.-Y., Li, G., Gao, X., Luo, W., Tian, H., Zhang, X., Yin, X., Liu, Z., Chen, G.-C., Xu, G., Liu, T., & Li, F.-R. (2024). Physical activity and sleep pattern in relation to incident Parkinson’s disease: a cohort study. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 21, Article number: 17.
  4. Dhawan, V., Healy, D. G., Pal, S., & Chaudhuri, K. R. (2006). Sleep-related problems of Parkinson’s disease. Age and Ageing, 35(3), 220-228.
  5. Huberman Lab. (2021, September 20). Toolkit for sleep. Huberman Lab.
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