SLEEPY with Parkinson's

     For the past week or so, I have been so sleepy!

I have no idea why??? I am taking the same meds that I have been taking for months.  I keep falling asleep for about two hours every afternoon.  I don't like that it is happening but there seems to be nothing that I can do about it! I can fall asleep just sitting up on the couch and I am out like a light immediately!!! I use to take medical marijuana at night to help me sleep but I don't need it at all any more.  If I took the marijuana, I think I would be a walking zombie!! Yesterday when I was sleeping on the couch in the family room, apparently I told my husband that he had to go pick up someone.  He asked who and I said my mother!! That would be quite impossible!!  I don't remember the dream at all but I do remember a lot of my very vivid dreams before I wake up in the morning.  I am thinking that Parkinson's is the reason that I am so tired. I am not sick, I feel fine other than my sciatica issue.  I am tired of being tired!! I found the information below on the Davis Phinney website.  I wish I could exercise, I know it would make me feel better but until I can get my sciatica under control, exercise just can't happen! The only good thing about falling asleep so much is that I don't feel the sciatica pain! I get a break from it.  Yesterday when I was finished with my CAT SCAN, I got into my car and slept for ten minutes!
     My son-in-law Adam invited us to dinner at his country club.  Olivia, Frankie, Dan, and I went and we had a wonderful time.  When I got  home, I had to sit in the car for ten minutes or so because I was so unbalanced.  I fell asleep in the couch sitting up for a few hours. 
    Today I feel back to my OLD self and my balance is better!!  We had our 6th  BAT in the house last night.. I had Terminix come and they couldn't find where the bats were getting in the house but at lease we know there is NO colony in out attic but maybe in our chimney!!
      Today my speech therapist thought I did well. My perception is still off because when she says my voice is good, I think I am shouting!!

Fatigue is another very common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s. It can feel like an overwhelming sense of tiredness, low energy, sleepiness, weakness or a loss of stamina when active.

Fatigue may appear alongside sleep problems like restless leg syndrome or mood issues like depression and anxiety. Fatigue can come with non-Parkinson’s-related issues like diabetes, heart and lung disease and hypothyroidism. Poor dietary habits, malnutrition and dehydration can make fatigue worse.

Fatigue can be debilitating in its own right, and also worsen the movement challenges that can come with Parkinson’s since movement control is less efficient and requires a more energy and effort. Motor effects of Parkinson’s like tremor or stiffness or the dyskinesia that can come as a side effect of certain Parkinson’s medications can all leave you feeling more tired by the afternoon or evening.

While taking your Parkinson’s medicines on time can reduce the stiffness, slowness, tremor or dyskinesia that can worsen fatigue, certain Parkinson’s medications may also make daytime fatigue even worse. This can be especially true for a type of medications known as dopamine agonists as well as anticholinergic medications. Be sure to review all medications with your healthcare provider if you are experiencing daytime fatigue or sleepiness to see what is the best combination for you.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW TO LIVE WELL

To reduce daytime fatigue, pay attention to what you are eating and drinking. Try to:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than big heavy ones
• Be sure you are getting enough protein, complex carbohydrates and fluids
• Drink caffeine in the late morning to decrease midday sleepiness
• Avoid caffeine after 3:00 pm if you experience anxiety or have trouble falling asleep

Regular exercise is extremely important for fighting fatigue and can:

• Improve endurance and heart health
• Keep you more awake during the day
• Improve your mood
• Decrease insomnia