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Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I have problems with Covid, opal levodopa and sleep.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Sanford, NC

This seems to be a problem that most of us share. If I take my dose later in the evening, I’m either awake all night or feel like I’m awake. If I take it closer to dinner time, I wake up very early in the morning (well before six), shaking all over like I’m freezing cold. At this time, I can even be perspiring heavily. Definitely not cold. Can anyone help me with some ideas?

July 29
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member, I have seen a few of our Teammates say they have no problem sleeping for 8, even 10 hours each and every night. They boast of one remedy or another, and apparently, whatever each of them does works, and rest (pardon the pun) assured, each solution is unique, but for most of us, a solid night's sleep is a thing of the past.
I do have a few suggestions for you however, which I have found that helps enough so I am allert enough to get by with maybe a nap in the afternoon.
1.) I don't take statin drugs anymore as they interact with my Rytary (a form of Carbodopa/Levadopa) causing poor sleep, vividly violent dreams, and seizures..
***Don't drop any medication without consulting your doctor and/or pharmacist!****
2.) I try to stay as active as possible during the day, even if I am only playing games with on my phone. Everyone on here will tell you to exercise, and you should, if you are able, but not everyone is capable of physical exercise. If, like me, you can't, you would be amazed at how many calories you can burn exercising your brain..
3.) I try to have a regular routine. Parkinson's tends to attack the circadian rhythm, but a daily schedule seems to guard it somewhat.
Finally, It’s Amazing What Praising Can Do, Aleluia!

July 30 (edited)
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thanks, Lucinda!

July 30
MyParkinsonsTeam

What you're describing — waking early with shaking and sweating — sounds like it could be an "off" period, where your levodopa has worn off overnight and your body is reacting to low dopamine levels. This is a really common and frustrating challenge for many people with Parkinson's.

The shaking and sweating you experience Show Full Answer

What you're describing — waking early with shaking and sweating — sounds like it could be an "off" period, where your levodopa has worn off overnight and your body is reacting to low dopamine levels. This is a really common and frustrating challenge for many people with Parkinson's.

The shaking and sweating you experience in the early morning are classic signs that your medication has worn off before you wake up. Finding the right timing for that evening dose is genuinely tricky — too late and it disrupts sleep, too early and it wears off before morning. Here are some strategies worth discussing with your neurologist:

- Adjust evening dose timing gradually — small shifts (even 30 minutes) can make a meaningful difference
- Ask about extended-release levodopa formulations — these are designed to provide more consistent levels overnight
- Ask about add-on medications like amantadine (Gocovri) or rasagiline (Azilect), which can help reduce "off" periods
- Consider deep brain stimulation (DBS) if medications aren't managing "off" time well — worth a conversation with your neurologist

A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared that shifting their evening dose time helped them sleep almost all night with far fewer disturbances. Good sleep habits can also support your medication's effectiveness:

- Keep a consistent sleep and wake schedule
- Avoid caffeine in the evening
- Wind down with dim lights before bed
- Avoid eating heavy meals close to bedtime

It's really worth bringing your specific timing issue to your neurologist — they can review your full medication schedule and tailor a plan just for you.

July 29

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