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Seniors With Parkinson's Disease Can Be Helped With Seep Issues

Author: Monica Cordero
by Monica Cordero
Posted: Jan 25, 2018

Parkinsons is a disease that affects parts of the brain that controls movement. Individuals suffering from Parkinson's disease may have shaking, stiffness as well as coordination and balance issues. It is a chronic disease. A person will have it the rest of their life, and it will get progressively worse. Individuals with Parkinson's disease also suffer from a number of sleep issues. This includes everything from insomnia to nightmares, excessive daytime sleepiness and more.

Narcolepsy

A study conducted by researchers at UCLS showed a link between Parkinson's disease and narcolepsy. Individuals with narcolepsy have a chronic brain disorder that inhibits their ability to control sleep-wake cycles. It causes them to experience extreme daytime sleepiness and an irresistible need to sleep that can happen at any time. In this case, sleeping medications such as melatonin may be prescribed to be used prior to bedtime. Certain antidepressant medications also work well Home Care Fort Myers.

Daytime hours

It is important that seniors with Parkinson's disease stay awake during daytime hours as much as possible. Should a nap be required, it should only be for an hour or less. All naps should be done prior to mid-afternoon. Naps should be taken as close to the same time every day. This routine helps a person's body adjust to being awake during the day. They should also be exposed to as much sunlight as well as physical and mental stimulation as possible.

Medications

It's important to have a physician review the medications being taken by seniors. The dosage, as well as the schedule of taking the medication, may need to be altered. It is common for small changes with medication to make a big difference is helping someone deal with sleeping issues.

Mid-Afternoon Stimulants

When trying to help improve a senior's sleep pattern, it's important they avoid the use of stimulants after mid-afternoon. This includes such things as nicotine, alcohol, caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soft drinks and more. Getting to sleep and having a restful sleep can more easily occur when there are no stimulants moving through a person's body.

Bed

It's important that seniors only use their bed for sleeping. It's very easy to read, watch television or listen to music and more in bed. It's important to train the body and mind to think of the bed as only a place where sleep is going to take place. It's easy enough to have a comfortable chair where a senior can watch television, read a book or just relax.

Bedtime Routine

It's important for seniors to maintain a consistent routine before going to bed. Routines must have rituals that involve getting comfortable and relaxing. A nightly routine could consist of having a light snack, taking a warm bath prior to brushing teeth. It's important to develop simple nighttime rituals that make the body respond with wanting sleep.

About the Author

Monica Cordero has a passion for a healthy lifestyle. She firmly believes that it is important for everyone.

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Author: Monica Cordero

Monica Cordero

Member since: Mar 01, 2016
Published articles: 3

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