Sleep and Parkinson's Disease

Classified as a movement disorder, the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease include muscle tremors, limb stiffness and impaired balance and stability. In addition, Parkinson's patients may suffer from a number of sleep-related disorders. In some cases, sleep symptoms may appear before other PD symptoms.

Insomnia

• Insomnia is a common complaint of Parkinson's patients and they may have trouble falling asleep initially or they may experience frequent periods of waking and restlessness during the night.

Restless Legs

• Physical sleep side effects may include Restless Leg Syndrome or Periodic Leg Movement Disorder, both of which may disrupt sound sleep.

Nightmares

• Nightmares are common and the patient may experience disruptive behavior during periods of REM sleep, leading to physically acting out dreams.

Cause

• Sleep problems may be the result of PD or they may be a side effect of medicines used to treat Parkinson's patients.

Tremor Reduction

• Parkinson's patients may experience relief from tremors during sleep.

Reducing Sleep Problems

• Some sleep problems may be reduced by avoiding caffeine at least six hours before bedtime and taking a relaxing, hot bath before going to bed, according to doctors at the Cleveland Clinic.