I was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s at the age of 40, and I have been living with the symptoms of young onset Parkinson’s for 6 years. I am not satisfied at all with the amount of sleep I am getting. I am averaging 2 hours of sleep at night and 3 during the day. My sleep patterns have changed since having young onset Parkinson’s, and my sleep patterns are also affecting my partner. Factors impacting on my ability to sleep include daytime sleepiness, cramping, difficulty turning over in bed, insomnia, frequent awakening, rigidity while in bed, night-time urination, talking or yelling out while asleep and pain. Strategies that have been useful or could be useful in improving my sleep patterns include increasing exercise during the day, adjustments to my medication as determined by my health professional, adjusting my medication without guidance from my health professional and listening to music.

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