Sleep isn’t something we think about – until it’s gone.

💬 4 out of 5 people with Parkinson’s struggle with sleep – how can we do better?

Parkinson’s is often recognised for its movement symptoms, but it’s so much more than a tremor. It affects nearly every aspect of life, and sleep is among the first things to suffer.

4 out of 5 people with Parkinson’s report significant sleep disturbances.

(Journal of Sleep Research, 2025)

We need to shift the conversation beyond movement symptoms and focus on the full reality of living with Parkinson’s. The truth is, when something as essential as sleep is disrupted, it can affect every aspect of daily life. It’s crucial to recognise and address these often-overlooked aspects of Parkinson’s to provide comprehensive care and support. Let’s take a look as to what causes this.

Sleep problems in Parkinson’s can arise for several reasons:

🧠 Dopamine loss: Since dopamine plays a key role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, its depletion leads to fragmented sleep and insomnia.

💤 Excessive daytime sleepiness: Parkinson’s disrupts the body’s internal clock, leading to overwhelming daytime fatigue and sudden sleep attacks.

⚡ Restless legs syndrome (RLS), REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) & involuntary movements (dyskinesia and dystonia): Uncontrollable leg movements, cramps, and muscle stiffness, make falling and staying asleep challenging. RBD is challenging for both the bed-partner and the person with Parkinson’s (PwP), with the PwP often acting out their dreams or shouting out during the night.

💊 Medication side-effects: Levodopa and dopamine agonists can cause vivid dreams, insomnia, and even hallucinations.

Sleep matters.

Sleep is not just rest – it’s repair. When sleep is disrupted, memory, mood, and even motor function decline faster. That’s why understanding and addressing these issues is critical for improving the quality of life in Parkinson’s.

So what can I do?

If you are experiencing sleep problems, it is important to understand that it is normal and most people experience it too. It is best to discuss this with your neurologist. However some sleep tips from experts include:

Matt Walker’s Sleep Tips

  1. Stick to a Schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s internal clock.
  2. Create a Cool Environment: Keep your bedroom temperature around 18°C for optimal sleep.
  3. Avoid Screens Before Bed: Reduce exposure to bright lights and screens at least an hour before bedtime to help your body produce melatonin.
  4. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, and limit alcohol consumption as it can disrupt sleep.
  5. Wind Down Routine: Establish a relaxing pre-sleep routine, such as reading or meditating, to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

Andrew Huberman’s Sleep Tips

  1. Morning Sunlight: Get outside and view sunlight within 30-60 minutes of waking up to help set your circadian rhythm.
  2. Consistent Sleep Schedule: Wake up at the same time every day and go to sleep when you first feel sleepy.
  3. Avoid Caffeine: Avoid caffeine within 8-10 hours of bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances.
  4. Dim Lights at Night: Reduce exposure to bright lights, especially overhead lights, between 10 PM and 4 AM.
  5. Use Sleep Hypnosis: Try sleep self-hypnosis techniques, such as those available on some apps, to help relax and improve sleep quality.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can improve your sleep hygiene and enjoy better quality sleep (n.b. click on the links above to deep dive into more sleep hygiene and how to improve your sleep tips).

References:

Asadpoordezaki, Z., Henley, B. M., & Coogan, A. N. (2025). Prevalence and associations of self-reported sleep problems in a large sample of patients with Parkinson’s disease. Journal of Sleep Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsr.14453

Huberman Lab, Neural Network Newsletter, Improve your sleep (may 15, 2024) https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/improve-your-sleep 

Sleep – Parkinson’s Australia information hub – https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/sleep/

Sleep playlist on Parkinson’s Australia’s YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlvH9lsCa0Uuh27X-azVdPRCflB5IAY4g

 

Thanks to our guest writer Asli Beyza Gul. Asli is a medical student at Aston University with a deep passion for neurology, particularly movement disorders like Parkinson’s. She is the first Parkinson’s Foundation ambassador in the UK. Asli has presented award-winning research on deep brain stimulation at international neurology conferences and actively raises awareness as a research champion for Parkinson’s UK. She also authors Parkinson’s Care, a neurology platform dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving Parkinson’s patient outcomes.

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