RT
Forum Replies Created
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My husband had sleep disturbances even before being diagnosed with PD, and we now realize that the disturbances are PD-related. So far the best bet for him is taking 3 mg melatonin and an extended-release version of Sinemet right before bed. If we feel the disturbances getting worse, we would comfortably go up on the melatonin dosage. Good luck!
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Hi there! When my husband was diagnosed with PD 2 years ago, we never thought to mention the sleep disturbances that had been popping up sporadically for the few years before that. Now we know that sleep disturbances are sometimes one of the first clues that PD is developing. Since the problems only occurred once every few weeks, we just ignored it. However, once the disturbances started occurring more frequently (and loudly- sleep talking), we reached out to the doctor. Right now taking 3 mg. melatonin does the trick most nights. On nights where it doesn’t help, it reduces the loudness and movement associated with this challenge. If it gets worse, we will try increasing the dose of melatonin before attempting klonopin- the drug recommended by our doctor.
Good luck!
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My husband is a PD patient with a known diagnosis of RBD (Rapid Eye Movement Behavior Sleep Disorder) that contributes to daytime sleepiness. Taking melatonin (3 mg; safe to take up to 9 mg) has definitely cut back on the sleep disorder which causes less sleepiness during the day. We were told that Klonopin may help if the melatonin does not.
Good luck! -
My husband has early-stage Parkinson’s with REM sleep disturbances. During the few days leading up to his diagnosis of COVID (in April 2020, he already had asymptomatic COVID), his sleep disturbances increased dramatically. While he was actively sick, his dyskinesia and stiffness increased. We wonder if this was because he didn’t feel well enough to exercise, or if it was an interplay of the two diseases. I would love to hear a doctor’s opinion on that. It took a good two weeks for the dyskinesia and stiffness to return to their previous levels. The sleep disturbances took only about a week or so after COVID diagnosis to fade.
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Susan- Do you find that your husband suffers from any side effects from taking melatonin? My husband also has vivid dreams that disrupt my sleep, and that discussion is on tap for our next doctor visit.