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@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member
Mom has been having what I call Parkinson's Related Night Terrors....this started about three weeks ago and has been happening EVERY night. She makes a strange sound which I can only describe as a Neuro-Suppressed scream. Her eyes are big as saucers and not blinking and her body is very Rigid. I didn't know what to do so I acted purely on instinct and pulled her to a sitting position and told her to 'breath' then to take deep breaths slowly in and out. Slowly her… read more
@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member
I now have a few weeks experience with medications that help me sleep. I became especially alarmed when my neurologist warned me not to have anyone try to intervene when I'm acting out my dreams as they could be hurt. My 5 year old grand daughter spends the night frequently so I have an additional incentive. I have Gabapentin, 300 mg, but that primarily for restless leg I was told, not the acting out of dreams. I have been given Clonazepam at .5 mg which I am cutting in half. It works great. Best night of sleep in a long time . I still have had a few restless nights but the good nights more than make up for it. I tried full strength and I was a little groggy first thing in the morning.
With a good night sleep I can start the day fresh and the symptoms are minimal at this point. Way down deep, "I feel good....."
Best of Luck,
Bill
This looks like RBD (REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder. It's a non-motor Symptom of PD). Dreams are acted out, including screaming, kicking, punching, etc. Melatonin or Clonazepam can be prescribed. One third of people with PD have RBD. For safety in bed use bed rails, pillows, mattresses beside the bed.
My husband had these too, back in 2007-8, when he was also diagnosed. Some hypnotherapy + PD medication (or maybe the anxiety relief medication) seem to have helped, and such night terrors have not happened recently...
I have same problem. Not every night but 2 -3 nights a week. Had prob before on meds . I think it comes with disease. Gabapenten has helped. I don't lash out and my dreams aren't as bad. Sleep better too.
@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member
Earlier in the responses REM Sleep Disorder was mentioned. I have that and the systems you describe seem to be the same as mine (thrashing about in bed, acting out during dreams. Its apparently common to Parkinsons. Twice I have jumped out of bed resulting in stitches the first time and a chipped tooth the second. For starters I have been placed on Gabapentin which is primarily for Restless Leg Syndrome. The result was a great nights sleep. I was also given Clonazpam which is for the REM disorder resulting in acting out dreams. My Dr told me to warn others who may be in the room as they could be hurt as I thrash around. I haven't tried the second medication.
Best of luck,
Bill
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