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Parkinson's Disease Sleep Disorders

According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Parkinson's disease affects an estimated one in 100 people over age 60. The central nervous system disorder is characterized as a movement disorder. It is also associated with a variety of sleep disorders like daytime sleepiness, sleep maintenance insomnia and sleep onset insomnia.

  1. Daytime Sleepiness Facts

    • Daytime sleepiness has caused automobile accidents and can decrease the quality of life for Parkinson's patients. This may be caused by a dopamine deficiency, Parkinson's medications (like Requip or Mirapex) or other problems within the brain.

    Daytime Sleepiness Treatment

    • Treatment for daytime sleepiness includes antidepressants like Wellbutrin, stimulants like Dexedrine or Ritalin, wake promoting agents like Provigil or medication adjustments if Parkinson's medications are causing the sleepiness.

    Sleep Maintenance Insomnia Facts

    • According to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, sleep maintenance insomnia is one of the most common sleep-related complaints in Parkinson's patients. Characterized by frequent awakenings, it is also associated with nighttime movements.

    Treatment for Sleep Maintenance Insomnia

    • Treatment for sleep maintenance insomnia includes use of antidepressants with sedating properties (like trazodone), Klonapin (a benzodiazepine) or a dopamine agonist like Permax or Requip.

    Sleep Onset Insomnia Facts

    • Sleep onset insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, most commonly due to agitation or anxiety. According to the American Parkinson's Disease Association, it is not more prevalent in Parkinson's patients than in non-Parkinson's patients.

    Sleep Onset Insomnia Treatment

    • Treatment is with benzodiazepines (like Restoril, Halcion or Xanax) or antidepressants with sedating properties (like trazodone).

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