SLEEP AND PARKINSON'S (CONT
Vivid Dreams and Nightmares
These may occur frequently and may be increased by the medications used in the management of Parkinson's.
If the nightmares are disturbing the treating medical specialist may adjust the timing or dose of the
medications.
Less commonly, nightmares may be carried over into the wakening period and may be described as
parasomal hallucinations.
In addition to nighttime sleep disturbances, other changes may occur.
These include:
*Daytime Fatigue
is a disabling, poorly understood and under-diagnosed symptom of Parkinson's which may precede
the motor symptoms.
There is no correlation between the severity of fatigue and the progression of
the condition.
If depression is present and treated the associated fatigue may improve.
There is little
else known in the area of fatigue.
*Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
Approximately 50% of people with Parkinson's experience EDS.
This may be related to the use of dopamine agonists
in the management of Parkinson's therefore monitory and reviewing medications is vital.
As Parkinson's progresses periods of daytime sleepiness are extended and this is thought to be due to
changes in the mid brain.
EDS is associated with more advanced Parkinson's.
*Sleep attacks.
Sudden onset sleep has been described as occurring while eating or driving.
All Parkinson's medications can be responsible but the dopamine agonist family are the most
common cause.
It is essential that any sleep attacks are reported to the treating medical
specialist.
Productive day finished all the surveys in my in-box - like seeing the $'s mounting up
Watched the Womens Big Bash between Renegades and Hurricanes ... Reds won
Terrible weather day again so cold and very very windy - few more branches broken on the shrubs
down the driveway.
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