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There are several medications and other treatments available for many of the sleep challenges Parkinson’s can bring that should be discussed with your doctor. 

Making changes to your diet, lifestyle, bedroom and pre-sleep routines can also help improve your ability to fall and stay asleep. 

Exercise during the day and gentle stretching can help and even seemingly small changes, like switching the fabric of your pajamas or sheets, may improve the quality of sleep. 

Meditation is another relaxation technique that can help to quiet the mind before you go to sleep.

You may also consider seeing a sleep specialist about specific sleep challenges. Sleep specialists typically work in actual sleep clinics or as part of multidisciplinary medical teams at hospitals.

Fatigue is another very common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. It can feel like an overwhelming sense of tiredness, low energy, sleepiness, weakness or a loss of stamina when active.

Fatigue may appear alongside sleep problems like restless leg syndrome or mood issues like depression and anxiety.

Fatigue can come with non-Parkinson’s-related issues like diabetes, heart and lung disease and hypothyroidism. 

Poor dietary habits, malnutrition and dehydration can make fatigue worse.

Fatigue can be debilitating in its own right, and also worsen the movement challenges that can come with Parkinson’s since movement control is less efficient and requires a more energy and effort.

Motor effects of Parkinson’s like tremor or stiffness or the dyskinesia that can come as a side effect of certain Parkinson’s medications can all leave you feeling more tired by the afternoon or evening.

While taking your Parkinson’s medicines on time can reduce the stiffness, slowness, tremor or dyskinesia that can worsen fatigue, certain Parkinson’s medications may also make daytime fatigue even worse. This can be especially true for a type of medications known as dopamine agonists as well as anticholinergic medications. Be sure to review all medications with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing daytime fatigue or sleepiness to see what is the best combination for you.

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than big heavy ones
• Be sure you are getting enough protein, complex carbohydrates and fluids
• Drink caffeine in the late morning to decrease midday sleepiness
• Avoid caffeine after 3:00 pm if you experience anxiety or have trouble falling asleep

• Improve endurance and heart health
• Keep you more awake during the day
• Improve your mood
• Decrease insomnia

 (Dizon, 2021)