https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8927-4205
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ABSTRACT
Objectives
Sleep disturbances are a debilitating non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and negatively impact patients, their carers and the patient-carer dyadic relationship. This review outlines the phenomenology, as well as factors associated with and treatment of sleep disturbances, in PD patients and their informal carers.
Methods
The following terms were used in four databases: Parkinson*, sleep* disturbance*, carer*, dyad*, intervention* and treatment*.
Results
Across the articles reviewed, the frequency of reported sleep disturbances in PD ranged between 60% and 98%. Common sleep problems in PD included insomnia, excessive day time sleepiness, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), sleep apnoea, periodic limb movements and sleep attacks. Within dyads, significant correlations were found with depression, anxiety and carer burden relating to night time care in particular. Despite the negative impact of sleep disturbance in PD, the evidence-base for treatment remains limited.
Conclusions
While addressing individual factors associated with sleep disturbances, it is also important to emphasize the needs arising from the patient-carer dyadic relationship. While a number of non-pharmacological interventions were suggested in the literature, further well-controlled trials are still required.
Clinical Implications
Multiple approaches are required to reduce sleep disturbances and associated burden in PD.
Acknowledgments
Dr Nadeeka Dissanayaka is supported by the Lions Medical Research Foundation and the Royal Brisbane & Woman’s Hospital Foundation and NHMRC Boosting Dementia Research Fellowship.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
