According to the National Library of Medicine, about one million people in the United States have Parkinson’s disease. This condition causes a variety of symptoms, one of which is sleep issues. Learn more about Parkinson’s disease, the kind of sleep problems it can cause, and what you can do about them.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of your brain slowly deteriorate. It most often occurs in people over the age of 60, but it can begin in people as young as 20. It can present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- Tremors when the body is at rest.
- Slowed movements.
- Stiffness
- Unstable posture
- Unstable walking
- Drooling
- Blinking less often
- Trouble swallowing
It’s not entirely clear what causes the disease, but genetics seems to be the most important risk factor. Certain medications, encephalitis, exposure to toxins, and brain injuries can also cause it.
Common Sleep Issues Associated with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s can lead to a variety of issues related to sleep. For instance, many with the disease experience insomnia, which involves having difficulty falling or staying asleep, as well as waking up earlier than desired.
The disease can also cause restless leg syndrome, which is when you experience uncomfortable sensations in the legs that prompt you to move them. Parkinson’s can also lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea, which is when your breathing is interrupted as you sleep.
Another sleeping issue with Parkinson’s can be REM sleep behavior disorder. This condition makes you act out your dreams while you sleep, affecting the quality of your rest.
Tips for Getting a Better Night’s Sleep
If you have Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to stick to a sleep schedule and make sure your sleeping area is cool, quiet, and dark. Make sure to create a relaxing bedtime routine to prepare yourself to sleep and get plenty of exercise throughout the day.
Your body needs adequate sleep. Making changes to your routine to ensure better sleep patterns will help improve your health and quality of life.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for hair, also Stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.
