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Sleep Problems in People With Parkinson's Disease

Besides the motor and muscle problems associated with Parkinson's disease, sleep problems may also develop. Some occur before being diagnosed with the disease. Problems typically run the sleep spectrum from insomnia to restless leg syndrome.

  1. Insomnia

    • People with Parkinson's may have problems falling asleep and staying asleep because of muscle stiffness, tremors or frequent urges to urinate.

    Daytime Sleepiness

    • Insomnia or medications may contribute to excess daytime sleepiness. If adjustment of prescription medications doesn't help with sleepiness, the physician may prescribe modafinil (Provigil), a medication prescribed to treat sleepiness.

    Narcolepsy

    • According to University of California, Los Angeles research led by Jerome M. Siegel, Ph.D., a professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences, there may be a link between Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy, a condition that exhibits sudden, uncontrollable bouts of sleep.

    REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

    • This disorder is characterized by vivid dreams or nightmares that are acted out during sleep. Some evidence suggests that these dreams may occur before the Parkinson's diagnosis.

    Restless Leg Syndrome

    • RLS is also a common occurrence among people with Parkinson's disease. The legs develop symptoms like an itching, gnawing and pulling sensation inside the legs, which interferes with sleep.

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