Sleep Disorders in Seniors with Parkinson’s Disease

Seniors with Parkinson’s frequently have difficulty sleeping, which can be attributed to several different causes. If you provide care for an aging loved one with Parkinson’s, it’s important to understand the types of sleep disturbances he or she may encounter as well as their causes to ensure he or she can get restful sleep. Here are some key details about the relationship between Parkinson’s and sleep and a few tips on how to address sleep problems commonly associated with the disease. 

Common Types of Sleep Disturbances 

Seniors with Parkinson’s may experience disrupted sleep patterns due to muscle stiffness and other symptoms associated with the disease. The stress that accompanies Parkinson’s may also cause insomnia and vivid dreams, which could lead to early waking or unstable sleeping patterns. When sleep problems continue, seniors with Parkinson’s may also experience narcolepsy as a result of constant fatigue. 

Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be challenging, but compassionate help is available. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of elder care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Causes of Sleep Problems 

The causes of sleep problems in seniors with Parkinson’s can vary depending on their symptoms and the medications they take. For this reason, it’s important to have your loved one’s health and sleep habits evaluated by a doctor if the symptoms are causing disrupted sleep. Most medical professionals consider the primary causes of sleep disturbances to be disruptions in REM patterns, medication side effects, stress, and muscular contractions. 

Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.

Strategies to Promote Better Sleep 

Once you understand the root cause of your loved one’s sleep problem, there are several strategies you can use to promote better sleep. Keeping your loved one active throughout the day with exercise and social opportunities can help him or her become tired by bedtime. For severe sleep problems, your loved one’s physician may be able to prescribe medications that can reduce Parkinson’s symptoms and make it easier to stay asleep. Seniors with Parkinson’s and their caregivers should stay alert for signs of developing sleep disorders so the proper strategies can be implemented before a lack of sleep interferes with safety and quality of life. 

When you understand the causes of your loved one’s sleep issues, you can help him or her find ways to sleep better and enhance his or her overall wellbeing. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home care. Oshkosh, WI, Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at 920-717-1767 today.

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