Is poor sleep quality common with Parkinson's disease?
Yes, sleep problems are extremely common with Parkinson's. About 90 percent of people with Parkinson's experience sleep difficulties, and up to 80 percent deal with insomnia specifically. You're definitely not alone in this struggle.
Many MyParkinsonsTeam members Show Full Answer
Is poor sleep quality common with Parkinson's disease?
Yes, sleep problems are extremely common with Parkinson's. About 90 percent of people with Parkinson's experience sleep difficulties, and up to 80 percent deal with insomnia specifically. You're definitely not alone in this struggle.
Many MyParkinsonsTeam members share similar experiences. One member described sleeping only four hours, waking up, tossing for an hour, then sleeping two more hours, maxing out at six total. They shared feeling like "a mess the next day after 1 p.m."
Another member reported, "If I do get sleep, it's only for a few hours, and then I'm up for the rest of the day."
What causes these sleep problems?
Parkinson's disrupts sleep in several ways:
- Motor symptoms returning as medication wears off during the night
- Pain and stiffness
- Needing to urinate frequently at night
- Abnormal brain wave activity during sleep
- REM sleep behavior disorder (affecting over 50% of people with Parkinson's)
- Restless legs syndrome
- Nightmares and hallucinations
What might help improve your sleep?
Consider these sleep hygiene strategies:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule
- Dim lights in the evening
- Wind down before bed with relaxation techniques
- Get sunlight and exercise during the day
- Avoid daytime naps, caffeine in evening, and screens at bedtime
Talk with your doctor about medication adjustments that might help, as timing and dosage changes can sometimes improve nighttime symptoms.
February 4
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