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Confinement increased sleep disorders in 41% of people with this disease. Excessive daytime sleepiness or insomnia are the most common sleep disorders.
The coronavirus pandemic has worsened the sleep disorders suffered by Parkinson's patients, according to different studies published in journals of international impact. Data published in the journal 'Sleep Medicine' demonstrate that the anxiety generated by the pandemic and the difficulties in maintaining regular medical follow-up have been some of the causes of this worsening in patients' sleep quality. In turn, the general worsening of motor symptoms due to greater neuronal degeneration also has an impact on sleep disorders and sleep-wake cycles. These consequences of the pandemic on Parkinson's disease patients have been observed since the beginning of the spread of the virus.
On the other hand, the 'Covid & Parkinson' study, published in Movement Disorders and carried out with Spanish patients, has revealed that, during home confinement, 41% of Parkinson's patients experienced a worsening of sleep disorders associated with the disease. , thus affecting their quality of life. This research included the participation of the Movement Disorders Study Group (GETM) of the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) and the Spanish Parkinson's Federation (FEP), along with other entities.
Among the most common sleep disorders in people with Parkinson's are excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and REM sleep behavior disorder. The latter, more unknown, is characterized by patients experiencing vivid dreams, with a violent nature and complex behavior. On a day-to-day basis, this disorder can lead to injuries to the patient when they hit objects around them or fall out of bed.
Currently, according to a recent study published in the 'Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology', 2 out of 3 Parkinson's patients suffer from sleep disorders. Furthermore, it shows that people with sleep disorders have a greater burden of non-motor symptoms, such as depression, cognitive alterations or impulsive-compulsive behaviors. The researchers also emphasize the importance of sleep disorders as a frequent and disabling symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Sleep disorders impact the caregiver's quality of life
The 'Covid & Parkinson' study also shows that the impact of the pandemic has been very similar on caregivers of people with Parkinson's. They have also been harmed by confinement, lack of mobility and reduced social contact.
Specifically, chronic sleep disorders are related to a greater burden for caregivers and a greater risk of depression. Your quality of life can be affected by your own lack of quality sleep. This is why researchers insist on the importance of greater awareness of the sleep disorders suffered by Parkinson's patients and the appropriate approach to the non-motor symptoms of this neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 150.000 people in Spain. according to data from the SEN4.
