People with Parkinson’s disease often experience sleep disorders and disruptions, including sudden sleep attacks. Fox Trail Memory Care Living offers comprehensive Parkinson’s care and services for people with Parkinson’s disease. Here, we discuss Parkinson’s sleep attacks and other common sleep disturbances that affect these individuals.
How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Sleep
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that leads to nerve degeneration, prohibiting dopamine-producing chemicals in the brain and causing delays in movement. Other symptoms include tremors in the limbs, depression and anxiety, tiredness, urinary issues, constipation, slurred speech, and sleep changes. Sleep disorders are common for people with Parkinson’s disease, such as sleep paralysis or difficulty falling or staying asleep. With further progression of the disease, individuals may experience nightmares, thrashing, and even unexpected sleep attacks.
Sleep disorders and disruptions in individuals with Parkinson’s disease are often linked to an interruption of the REM cycle. Sleep can be rather difficult to come by, especially when it comes to persistent rest for eight hours per night. It’s estimated that up to two in three people with Parkinson’s disease experience sleep disturbances. Some of the sleep issues that may occur include:
Sleep Attacks
Sleep attacks refer to the sudden, uncontrollable onset of sleep that often occurs without warning. These attacks can happen during normal activities, such as having conversations or driving, which can make them quite dangerous. Since Parkinson’s disease often causes deprivation of dopamine-causing cells, it can disturb the part of the brain responsible for regulating sleep. Sleep attacks are also often affected by stress and anxiety related to Parkinson’s disease.
Sleep attacks can negatively impact regular sleep because of chemical changes in the brain. They can also contribute to a lack of restful sleep during the night, which can result in low energy levels and fatigue.
Insomnia
Parkinson’s disease can result in the inability to fall and stay asleep. Chemical changes in the brain cause sleep-wake cycles, causing people to experience less restful sleep. Women and elderly people with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to experience insomnia.
Fragmented Sleep
Several sleep disorders can surface in people with Parkinson’s disease, including REM sleep behavioral disorder. This disorder impacts muscles during deep sleep, including movement during dreams and grinding teeth, reducing the overall quality of sleep.
Parkinson’s disease can also cause sleep apnea, which also disrupts restful sleep. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may require a CPAP machine to help with proper breathing during sleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Parkinson’s disease can also result in restless leg syndrome. This neurological movement disorder causes an overwhelming urge to move the legs and may be accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. These are often worse in the evening and at night when at rest, which can interfere with getting a full night’s sleep.
Improving Sleep Hygiene and Sleep Attacks Caused by Parkinson’s Disease
Finding healthy sleep patterns and habits improves mood and reduces stress in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Some studies have shown that prioritizing getting a full eight hours of sleep helps with the debilitating effects of decreased serotonin that the disease often causes. Researchers have suggested that regular exercise, getting outside, and at-home remedies may help with relaxation before bed.
Some dos and don’ts to try to improve sleep hygiene include:
- Do: Try to set healthy and routine hours for waking up and going to sleep.
- Do: Keep your body moving throughout the day. A short walk can help with physical activity and brain regulation.
- Do: Try a massage, warm bath, or other relaxing activity before bed for better sleep.
- Don’t: Take long naps during the day. Sleeping during the day can be challenging for your sleep schedule.
- Don’t: Use stimulants, such as caffeine, right before bed.
- Don’t: Use your bedroom for activities other than sleeping.
Finding and establishing a routine sleep schedule helps the brain regulate sleep and wake up times, leading to a full night of sleep. Turning off screens before bedtime can also improve your sleep.
A Look at Our Parkinson’s Disease Management Services
Fox Trail Memory Care Living offers residents the chance to enjoy many amenities and activities. Personal apartments for residents offer privacy and comfort while allowing them to maintain some independence. Residents also get access to first-class amenities, such as home-cooked meals, laundry and housekeeping services, walking paths, and more.
Our HOPE Program provides residents with comprehensive medical services that are integrated into their daily routines. Residents get personalized care plans customized to their needs.
Access Help for Parkinson’s Sleep Attacks at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
While Parkinson’s disease is a complex disease, memory care can help residents manage their sleep hygiene and other issues during different stages. Trust the professionals at Fox Trail Memory Care Living to provide comprehensive care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease to help them stay independent and comfortable.
For more information about our Parkinson’s care, contact us or schedule your tour today.