I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s at the age of 44, and I have been living with the symptoms of young onset Parkinson’s for 10 years. I am not satisfied with the amount of sleep I am getting. I am averaging 2.5 hours of sleep at night and no sleep during the day. My sleep patterns have changed since having young onset Parkinson’s, and my sleep patterns are also affecting my partner. The factors impacting on my ability to sleep include cramping, difficulty turning over in bed, insomnia, nightmares, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), frequent awakening, rigidity while in bed, talking or yelling out while asleep and pain. The strategies that have been useful or could be useful in improving my sleep patterns include increasing exercise during the day, avoiding screen time before bed, using satin sheets and pyjamas to assist with movement in bed, having a bedtime routine, using your bed as a place for sleep and not for watching TV or reading, having a warm bath before bed, meditation and listening to music.
Menu
