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Sleep Problems

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Albany, NY

Having sleep problems including: not being able to sleep- going to bed way too late (12am - 2am). Waking up multiple times before morning (~1:00, 3:00). Waking up for the day between 3 and 5am. Having vivid dreams that have included shouting as loud as I can in my sleep and this week, falling out of bed during a dream. Any one else have this? Suggestions for how to cope?

September 4, 2017
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hi Jud,
Sleep is the one of the biggest challenges for my husband. Even when I've observed he's had a better night than most, he feels like he's not slept well. In addition to wakefulness, he has PLMD, peripheral limb movement disorder, which, unlike restless leg syndrome, does not necessarily awaken him - only me.

That said, every doctor has told him he needs to have good sleep hygiene. In addition to trying to maintain a consistent schedule, that would include not using any electronics (computer, TV, cell phone, etc) for two hours before bed. That is easier said than done, I know. Old habits are hard to break. Something you can try is to add the f.lux app to your computer. https://justgetflux.com It makes the color of your computer's display adapt to the time of day, warm at night and like sunlight during the day. At least that way, if you must be on your computer at night, you'll reduce the effect of the screen's blue light that stimulates the brain and keeps you up/

My husband's neurologist also prescribed an extended release version of Sinemet at night to help with movement issues in bed during the night and Gabapentin to help reduce the PLMD effects. YOu might want to check with your doctor about possible medication tweaks or options.

Though he hasn't tried this, I use guided meditation to help me get to and stay asleep. The Calm app http://www.calm.com I really like their Sleep Stories though I never have gotten to the end of any of them since they really do put me to sleep. Even just some focused breathing exercises can be helpful. Take a little practice but I found this to be useful. http://www.medicaldaily.com/life-hack-sleep-4-7...

Good luck and let me know if any of these suggestions are helpful.
Regards,
Dory

September 4, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

please excuse if I added a note before,I have had all your symptoms, still do. The exception is now I sleep. Dr put me on antidepressents, first citroplam, 2 Years later switched to sertalin, I take max dosage so they say. The dreams are not as scary, I sing, laugh and shout in bed,fall out of bed, put up a guard as I hit my head on bed side firniture. Also I’m not as nervous on freeway. Hope this helps, at least you know some one else had and has this, My best to you

April 6, 2018
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Hon. Mr. Jud, Have you ever been tested for Rem Behavioral Disorder?

September 11, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes, I dreamt that I was dancing and twirled out of bed, covers wrapped around me,shout out yes, scary dreams and hitting my husband while still asleep, been thru it all, has been better as time goes on

September 10, 2017
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member Thanks so much for the info. Turns out that the Paperwhite Kindle doesn't shine into your eyes like a cell phone or iPad does, so it doesn't keep you up, especially if you dim the Kindle light. If the bedside light is on to light the pages of a book, I can't sleep. With the Kindle, I just drop off to sleep; this has actually helped me sleep better.

Have tried reading with the cell phone in bed - disaster! from exactly what you were talking about.

September 7, 2017

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