Lisa Shulman, MD, FAAN, responds:

Studies do not show that sleep apnea is any more common in people with Parkinson's disease than in those without it. However, other sleep disturbances are associated with the condition.

Symptoms Can Disrupt Sleep

Many people with Parkinson's disease wake up at night and have trouble getting back to sleep. Symptoms such as rigidity and slowness, for example, make it difficult to change position in bed. Tremors, which disappear during sleep, often recur when people wake up and may keep them from falling back to sleep. The need to urinate frequently, another symptom of Parkinson's disease, also disrupts sleep. And a sleep disturbance called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, in which people act out vivid dreams or nightmares by thrashing around or calling out while asleep, is associated with, and is sometimes a precursor to, Parkinson's disease. The disorder contributes to poor quality of sleep. On top of that, aging itself can contribute to less sound sleep.

Naps and Medications May Interfere

Fatigue is a common symptom of the disease and a common side effect of some medications, which may cause people to nap more during the day. But daytime napping can also make it harder to sleep at night, creating a recurring cycle of fatigue. To counter this, try to balance rest periods with regular daytime activity.

Treatments May Help

Movement specialists may prescribe sedatives such as clonazepam (Klonopin) to reduce REM-related sleep disturbances. Anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan) may also be effective. Sometimes a simple adjustment to the dosage of Parkinson's disease medication taken at bedtime or overnight can improve sleep quality. If these strategies don't work, people may undergo a sleep study to better understand the problem and to determine if they have sleep apnea.

5 Sleep-Friendly Habits

Anything you can do to enhance your sleep environment will help improve your chances of getting a good night's rest. Start with these tips:

1. Purchase a comfortable mattress and pillow.
2. Establish a routine for bedtime, and get up at the same time every morning.
3. Move the TV out of the bedroom, and don't fall asleep in front of it.
4. Avoid caffeinated beverages or drinking a lot of water right before bed.
5. Ask your physician to review your medications to see if any may be negatively affecting your sleep.

Dr. Shulman is professor of neurology at the University of Maryland, director of the university's Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center, a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, and a member of the editorial board of Neurology Now. She is also co-author of Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families and editor-in-chief of the American Academy of Neurology's Neurology Now™ Books series.