Parkinson's and Sleep Disorders

Presented by Waleed H. El-Feky, MD - Director of the Texas Neurology Sleep Disorders Center

Sleep disorders may predate the onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD) by decades. The prevalence of sleep disorders in patients with PD is high and can include insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out, sometimes violently, during the night). Medication treatment for Parkinson’s can induce excessive sleepiness. In addition, fatigue, poor concentration, memory loss, and lack of energy are symptoms frequently seen in Parkinson’s and can result from, or be exacerbated by, sleep disorders. Alternatively, common motor symptoms of rigidity and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) may cause difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep. Addressing sleep disorders is an essential part of managing and improving the well-being of persons living with Parkinson’s.

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