Sleep is essential to brain health, but for many people with Parkinson’s, it doesn’t come easily. Changes in brain chemistry, movement symptoms and even medication can all impact how well — and how long — you rest.
While there’s no single fix for Parkinson’s-related sleep disturbances, small adjustments to your daily habits and sleep environment can set the stage for the best sleep possible. From setting consistent routines to managing stress, we share practical strategies to help you wind down and stay asleep.
Sleep Strategies for People With Parkinson’s
Looking for ways to improve your sleep quality? Rachel Dolhun, MD, DipABLM, shares five ways to invite better sleep into your life.
Sleep Tips for Parkinson’s: How to Improve Rest and Boost Brain Health
Getting restful sleep isn’t always easy, especially with Parkinson’s, but maximizing the sleep you can get is one of the most important things you can do for your brain and body. From sticking to a routine to making small changes in your daily habits, there are manageable ways to improve the quality of your sleep.
Follow these simple strategies to get started:
- Aim for quality over quantity. Seven to nine hours is ideal, but how well you sleep matters more than how long.
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day to support your body’s natural rhythm.
- Create a calming wind-down routine. Gentle activities like reading or deep breathing can help signal it’s time for rest.
- Get regular movement and sunlight. Physical activity and exposure to natural light during the day help regulate your sleep-wake cycle.
- Eat well to support sleep. A healthy diet throughout the day — especially limiting caffeine and large meals before bed — can promote better rest.
- Be patient and persistent. Lifestyle changes take time — but small adjustments can add up to real improvements.
Learn more about fatigue and sleep with Parkinson’s disease.
Dive Deeper Into Sleep
-
Parkinson’s and Sleep
Learn about the sleep-related conditions that affect people with Parkinson's.
-
Acting Out Your Dreams
Acting out dreams is called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), a condition that is a risk factor for Parkinson’s.
-
Your Guide to Sleep
Read about common sleep problems, treatment options and tips to maximize your sleep.
"Sticking to a sleep routine is critical for me. I use the alarm on my phone — this allows me to set a bedtime and stick with it as best I can."
Bryan Roberts
Storrs, Connecticut
The Role of RBD in Parkinson’s Research
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) can be one of the first symptoms of Parkinson's, occurring years before a diagnosis. Our landmark study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, is examining risk factors such as RBD to understand how to treat and prevent brain disease.