In a recent online MyParkinsonsTeam poll, nearly 3 in 4 respondents said sleep difficulties affect them or their loved one with Parkinson’s disease most nights. About 1 in 5 said sleep problems happen occasionally, while very few said they rarely or never have trouble sleeping.

Sleep problems can be a major part of life with Parkinson’s. Although Parkinson’s is often known for movement symptoms, sleep problems are among its nonmotor symptoms (symptoms unrelated to movement).

More than 75 percent of people with Parkinson’s report sleep-related symptoms, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, including:

• Trouble falling asleep
• Restless legs
• Acting out dreams

The poll results offer a snapshot of how often sleep challenges affect MyParkinsonsTeam members. They don’t establish how common sleep problems are among everyone with Parkinson’s, but they show that sleep is a nightly concern for many respondents.

The pattern suggests that sleep difficulties were not only common among poll respondents but also often persistent. Even when sleep problems don’t happen every night, they may still affect health, mood, quality of life, and daily routines.

74% Face Sleep Problems Most Nights

The top answer was clear: 911 respondents said sleep difficulties happen most nights. This result shows how Parkinson’s can affect more than movement.

Disrupted sleep may:

• Contribute to daytime sleepiness
• Affect mood and quality of life
• Disrupt a care partner’s sleep

Frequent sleep problems may have many causes. Parkinson’s symptoms, medication side effects, and associated conditions can all affect sleep.

Some people wake because of stiffness, tremor, muscle cramps, pain, or trouble turning over in bed. Others may have insomnia, daytime sleepiness, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (RBD).

In RBD, a person may physically act out dreams by talking, yelling, hitting, kicking, or moving suddenly during sleep. This behavior can raise safety concerns for both the person with Parkinson’s and their sleep partner.

Some Parkinson’s medications can disrupt sleep, while others may cause daytime sleepiness or sudden “sleep attacks.”

If you or your loved one experiences frequent or changing sleep problems, consider tracking nighttime patterns and discussing them with a neurologist or another healthcare provider.

Sleep Difficulties Are Rare for 5%

A smaller group — 65 respondents — said sleep difficulties are rare. Although the poll did not ask respondents why, the result underscores that Parkinson’s affects people differently.

Sleep can also change over time as symptoms, routines, stress levels, and treatments change.

A person with Parkinson’s who rarely has sleep trouble may want to mention new sleep changes at medical visits, especially if those changes affect safety or daytime functioning.

Protecting Your Sleep With Parkinson’s

If you or your loved one experiences sleep problems that are frequent, worsening, or affecting daily life, consider talking with a neurologist, primary care provider, sleep specialist, or another healthcare provider about possible causes and support.

Sleep strategies shared by MyParkinsonsTeam members may also offer ideas for getting the rest you need.

Join the Conversation

On MyParkinsonsTeam, people share their experiences with Parkinson’s disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you or your loved one with Parkinson’s have difficulty sleeping? What have you found that helps? Let others know in the comments below.