In short
Sleep disorders are the symptomsnot enginesmost common Parkinson's disease. One of them, theREM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), may appearyears beforeof motor symptoms and is an early sign to take into account. Studying and treating sleep significantly improves the quality of life of the patient and their family.
Sleep and Parkinson's disease, a close relationship
Parkinson's disease is not just tremor and rigidity. It affects brain circuits that alsoregulate sleep, so the majority of people with the disease present rest disturbances at some point: insomnia, fragmented sleep, daytime sleepiness or abnormal movements at night.
These problems are not a minor detail:fatigue, mood, and motor symptoms worsenthe next day, and they also wear out those who care for them. Furthermore, some sleep disorders—especially RBD—have diagnostic and prognostic value within the disease.
The good news is that many of these problemscan be relievedadjusting medication, habits and with specific treatments. That is why sleep deserves its own place in the monitoring of Parkinson's disease.
Self-test: sleep and Parkinson's disease
Mark what happens to you (to you or your family member). This is for guidance only.
Frequent signs
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Sleep disorders most common in Parkinson's disease
Tap each one to get to know them:
REM sleep behavior disorder
The person 'acts out' their sleep with sudden movements that can injure the partner. It is very relevant because it can precede the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases by years.
Insomnia and fragmented sleep
Difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep, due to the illness itself, nocturnal stiffness, the effects of medication or mood. It is addressed by adjusting the treatment and with sleep measures.
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Excessive sleep during the day, partly due to a poor night's rest and partly due to some medications. It is worth evaluating it, especially when driving.
Restless legs syndrome
The need to move the legs when resting is more common in Parkinson's disease and makes it difficult to fall asleep. Responds to specific treatment.
Sleep apnoea
Respiratory pauses worsen rest and oxygenation. It should be ruled out because its treatment improves energy and cardiovascular health.
Why does Parkinson's disease affect sleep?
Neurodegeneration itself, motor symptoms and treatment are combined.
The disease affects the circuits that regulate sleep.
Stiffness and difficulty turning interrupt the night.
Some drugs alter sleep or cause drowsiness.
Frequent depression and anxiety worsen insomnia.
The internal clock can become unbalanced.
Getting up to go to the bathroom fragments your rest.
Diagnosis at the Sleep Research Institute
We assess sleep with clinical history and, when appropriate, withvideo-polysomnography, especially useful for confirming the RBD.
First consultation
Sleep history, symptoms and medication
Video-polysomnography
Video recording to assess RBD, apnoea and movements
Diagnosis
We identify what sleep disorders there are
Comprehensive plan
Adjustment of habits, medication and specific treatment
My father was beating in his sleep for years before his diagnosis. At the Institute they studied him with video, explained the relationship with Parkinson's disease and adjusted the treatment. Rest much better.
★★★★★
We solve your doubts
Is it normal to sleep poorly with Parkinson's disease?
What is REM behavior disorder?
Does improving sleep improve Parkinson's disease?
Should I have a sleep study?
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Content reviewed by the medical team of the Sleep Research Institute.