Sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease

Up to 90% of patients with Parkinson's disease report sleep disturbances at some point during the course of the disease. Progressive neurodegeneration of sleep sensitive areas in the brain as well as psychological, pharmacological and neurodegenerative factors are regarded as responsible for the somnopathy in Parkinson's disease. Nocturnal symptoms comprise problems of initiating and maintaining sleep as well as nocturnal exacerbation of Parkinsonian symptoms, REM sleep behaviour disorder, periodic leg movements in sleep, restless legs symptoms and sleep related breathing disorders. Video-supported polysomnography is recommended for clarifying sleep diagnosis, identifying the specific nocturnal problem and choosing the right treatment.