Getting a good night’s sleep is important for everyone, but it can be especially vital for those living with Parkinson’s disorder. The symptoms of this condition, and even some of the medications used to manage them, can make restful sleep difficult. Not getting enough rest can affect a person’s mood, and it can also make their daytime symptoms feel worse. At Atlanta Neuroscience Institute, we are committed to helping our patients find solutions so they can get better rest and improve their quality of life.
The Link Between Sleep and Motor Symptoms
Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, like tremors and rigidity, can make it difficult to get comfortable in bed. These issues make it hard to fall asleep and can wake people up during the night. Waking up with a tremor or feeling stiff can disrupt a person’s sleep cycle. It can be hard to go back to sleep after these disruptions. The restlessness caused by involuntary movements can also keep people from staying asleep for very long.
How REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Affects Patients
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a specific sleep problem that is seen in some people with Parkinson’s disease. During normal REM sleep, your muscles are paralyzed so you don’t act out your dreams. With RBD, this paralysis doesn’t happen. People may talk, yell, or even thrash around while they are dreaming. This can be disruptive to the person and their partner, and the movements can be intense enough to cause injuries.
Medication’s Role in Sleeping
Certain medications used to manage Parkinson’s symptoms can sometimes contribute to sleep issues. For example, some drugs can cause daytime sleepiness, which then disrupts the ability to fall asleep at night. Other medications might cause vivid dreams or hallucinations, which can also interfere with getting good rest. Our neurologists help patients find the right balance with their medications.
Restless Leg Syndrome and Parkinson’s
Some Parkinson’s patients also deal with restless legs syndrome (RLS). This condition causes a strong, often unpleasant urge to move the legs. The feeling usually happens at night when the person is resting. The sensations can feel like tingling, crawling, or pulling inside the legs. The constant need to move the legs makes it very difficult to get comfortable and fall asleep, making for a long night.
Getting a good night’s sleep is important for managing the day-to-day symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. We believe that addressing these sleep issues is a key part of caring for our patients. Our team at Atlanta Neuroscience Institute is dedicated to working with each patient to develop a plan that helps them get the rest they need. If you or a loved one are experiencing sleep problems related to Parkinson’s, we can help.