I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s at the age of 36, and I have been living with the symptoms of young onset Parkinson’s for 6+ years. I am getting rest, but not quality sleep. I am averaging 4 – 6 hours of sleep at night, however I am regularly intermittently sleeping throughout the day, so I am averaging 1-3 hours of sleep during the day. My sleep patterns have changed since having young onset Parkinson’s, and my sleep patterns are also affecting my partner. No longer sleeping in the same bed. The factors impacting on my ability to sleep include, sleep apnoea, daytime sleepiness, cramping, difficulty turning over in bed, rigidity while in bed, night-time urination and pain. Strategies that have been useful or could be useful in improving my sleep patterns include talking to a health professional, limiting the amount of fluid I drink before bed to avoid night time urination, avoiding stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before bed, having a bedtime routine, going to the toilet directly before bed, and a CPAP Machine to provide continuous air flow. I know I could do more to improve my sleep hygiene.
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