Sleep Deprived?

Cat Napping Can Be Beneficial

Jamey is dealing with a lot of sleep issues right now. And it is having a substantial impact on his daytime Parkinson's symptoms. 

It is not uncommon for people with Parkinson's to have sleep problems, ranging from frequent episodes of sleeplessness to full-on insomnia. If you've ever experienced sleep deprivation, you know how invasive it can be. Lack of sleep can effect every area of your life; memory, cognition, mood, and energy level. If you cannot sleep properly at night, you might find you sleep more often during the daytime. When your circadian rhythm is thrown off like that, it can be near impossible to get it back on track. For PD sufferers, lack of sleep can elevate and exacerbate already difficult symptoms.

Jamey has experienced a number of sleep disorders since being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease; REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (REM SBD - acting out dreams during sleep), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Peridic Leg Movement Disorder (PLMD), excessive daytime sleepiness, Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination), and Insomnia. Many can be attributed to the disease itself, and others are a side effect of the medications he takes. Other sleep issues for Parkinson's, include:

• Nightmares
• Sleep attacks (a sudden involuntary episode of sleep)
• Sleep apnea
• Narcolepsy
• Discomfort, fidgetiness

In addition to sleep problems, people with Parkinson's disease often experience sleepiness during the daytime. In fact, one study found daytime sleepiness in 76% of Parkinson’s patients. Striving to maintain healthy sleep habits can help Parkinson’s patients with both the physical and psychological symptoms of their disease. 

So the question is, how do we get sleep with PD?

• Keep a regular sleep schedule, going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.
• Take sedating medication late enough in the day so that it enhances sleep at bedtime. (Pay attention to side effects or your regular medications. If sleepiness is a side effect, take it later in the day). 
• Use satin sheets and pajamas to help with getting in and out of bed and turning in your sleep.
• Minimize beverages before bedtime to help avoid Nocturia (frequent nighttime urination).
• Get exercise and exposure to light early in the day. 
• Limit your naps to 20 minutes or less. A cat nap can actually energize you for a short time and help you sleep better at night.
• Use your bed for sleep only (no reading or watching TV for long periods in bed)
• Spend time outdoors, preferably in the morning or shortly after waking. 
• Light therapy may help normalize the sleep/wake cycles of Parkinson’s patients, especially those who may be unable to spend time outdoors.

As Parkinson’s disease progresses and symptoms get worse, sleep problems may become more pronounced. Daytime sleepiness may also increase as Parkinson’s disease progresses. If you must sleep during the daytime, set your alarm, or have your care partner wake you up in 20 minutes. Shorter naps should keep the body from being too alert at bedtime.

I would love to tell you it will get easier, but unfortunately, it doesn't always. Try and follow the above rules as best you can. If it doesn't get better and you are awake more than you are asleep, maybe you can complete that 'honey do' list you've been putting off. Paint the house, repair the fence, mow the lawn, and clean out the garage. Your spouse will love it and it should at least pay off in deep sleep that night!