I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s at the age of 53, and I have been living with the symptoms of young onset Parkinson’s for 4.5 years. The amount of sleep I am getting is ok, and I normally get 6+ hours, but it can be inconsistent. I am trialling melatonin, and I am averaging 6+ hours of sleep at night and 1 hour 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 daytime sleepiness, cramping, night-time urination and talking or yelling out while asleep. Strategies that have been useful or could be useful in improving my sleep patterns include talking to a health professional, increasing exercise during the day, tracking my sleep patterns, keeping busy during the day, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, having a bedtime routine, going to the toilet directly before bed, adjustments to my medication as determined by my health professional and melatonin medication. I am also trialling red light therapy.
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