Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that commonly affects people over the age of 60. It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with movement, speech, and cognition.

In addition to these physical symptoms, people with Parkinson’s disease may experience sleep disturbances and unusual sleeping habits. Here are ten strange sleeping habits that signify Parkinson’s:.

1. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder that is highly prevalent among people with Parkinson’s disease. In RBD, people act out their dreams physically during REM sleep.

Instead of being paralyzed during REM sleep like normal individuals, people with RBD move their limbs, vocalize, and even get out of bed. This can result in injuries to themselves or their sleeping partner.

2. Insomnia

Insomnia, or difficulty falling and staying asleep, is another common sleep disturbance in Parkinson’s disease. It is believed to be caused by alterations in the brain chemicals that regulate sleep.

Insomnia can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

3. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a condition in which people with Parkinson’s disease feel abnormally sleepy during the day. It is believed to be caused by disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle and alterations in brain chemicals.

EDS can interfere with work, social activities, and daily functioning.

4. Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially during periods of rest or inactivity. It can cause discomfort, pain, and disruption of sleep.

People with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to have RLS than the general population.

5. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. It is characterized by loud snoring, gasping, and choking sounds.

Sleep apnea can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the blood, daytime sleepiness, and cardiovascular problems. People with Parkinson’s disease are at increased risk of developing sleep apnea.

Related Article How irregular sleep patterns may indicate Parkinson’s Disease

6. Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder

Delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) is a circadian rhythm disorder that is characterized by a delay in the timing of sleep and wake phases.

People with DSWPD have difficulty falling asleep at a normal time and may have trouble waking up in the morning. They often feel more alert and productive in the late evening and night. DSWPD is common in people with Parkinson’s disease and can interfere with social and work schedules.

7. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience a type of sleep behavior disorder known as rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD). RBD is characterized by vivid and often violent dreams that cause people to act out their dreams.

This can lead to injuries to themselves or their sleeping partners. RBD is thought to be related to the degeneration of brain cells that produce the neurotransmitter dopamine.

8. Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and prolonged nighttime sleep. People with hypersomnia may feel drowsy or fall asleep during normal activities such as driving or talking.

It is believed to be caused by alterations in brain chemicals that regulate sleep and wakefulness. Hypersomnia can interfere with work and daily activities.

9. Fragmented Sleep

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience fragmented sleep, characterized by frequent awakenings throughout the night. Fragmented sleep can lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

It is believed to be caused by alterations in the sleep-wake cycle and brain chemicals.

10. Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep

Periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS) are repeated jerking movements of the legs during sleep. They can cause disruptions in sleep and lead to daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

PLMS are common in people with Parkinson’s disease and may be related to alterations in brain chemicals.

Conclusion

Sleep disturbances and strange sleeping habits are common in people with Parkinson’s disease. These sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue, impaired cognitive function, and decreased quality of life.

It is important for people with Parkinson’s disease to discuss any sleep disturbances with their healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment.