At one time or another, everyone has trouble
getting a good night’s sleep. However, if
you’re a person with Parkinson’s, you might
frequently experience fatigue and lack of sleep
as part of your condition.
There could be many reasons for this: a sleep
disorder, anxiety, depression, an overuse of
stimulants like caffeine or nicotine, problems
with your medication, daytime sleepiness.
If you can, schedule a nap at the same time
every afternoon - it will rest your muscles,
relieve tension and aches and “recharge your
battery.” Make sure it’s no longer than an hour
so it won’t interfere with your overnight sleep.
You and your caregiver can help your doctor
figure out what’s causing your insomnia by
keeping a record of your sleep habits for a few
weeks. Here are some things you can keep track
of and discuss:
During the day, do you fall asleep before or
during your mid-day or evening meal … with
company … watching television … riding in the
car … when you start reading? At night, do you
take something to help you sleep … go to bed
after midnight … take an hour or more to fall
asleep … wake up more than once … wake up
often to urinate ... get less than two to four
hours sleep … wake up for the day before 4
a.m.? Are you groggy when you’re awake and
when you wake up?
Share your observations with your doctor and
listen to any advice he/she gives. Pay attention
to any strategies that work for you. The following
simple guide of Sleep Do’s and Don’ts may
also help you wake refreshed each morning.