Sleeping Disorders (Home) > Sleeping Treatment > Medications Effects Sleep Cycle
Medications Improves Sleep Cycle
While disrupted sleep seems to be an integral part of living with Parkinson's disease, the conventional antiparkinson drugs are not usually helpful. In fact, Parkinson drugs may be the cause of sleep disturbance in some patients. For example, selegiline can cause insomnia, particularly if taken in the afternoon or evening.
By contrast, some patients sleep better on a trial of controlled-release Sinemet or one of the dopamine agonist preparations dosed late in the day, due to the long duration of action of these compounds. These drugs are probably most beneficial in those instances when the patient complains of severe immobility or tremor preventing resumption of sleep in the middle of the night. No single drug has proven to be uniformly effective in restoring nighttime sleep in Parkinson patients.
Examples of drugs used to promote and maintain sleep graphic
- Zolpidem (Ambien)
- Nefazodone (Serzone)
- Amitriptyline (Elavil)
- Nortriptyline (Pamelor)
- Trazodone (Desyrel)
- Temazepam (Restoril)
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Tylenol PM)
- Chloral hydrate
Some of the older antidepressant drugs can also be used to promote sleep because of their sedative properties; for example, amitriptyline or nortriptyline 10 - 25 mg. can be taken at bedtime. Some patients are able to achieve a more stable sleep pattern by using diphenhydramine 25 - 50 mg. at bedtime. Available as Benadryl and many generic brands, this medication is available over-the-counter, and may also help reduce tremor and drooling in some patients. Patients should check with their physicians before using over-the-counter medications such as Benadryl.
Benzodiazepines, discussed previously for treating anxiety, are also sometimes used as a sleep aid. These drugs can be helpful in falling asleep initially, but may wear off in 3-4 hours, thus providing no relief from early morning awakening. Also, tolerance to benzodiazepines develops with regular use over time, and dose increases have significant risks in the elderly, such as over-sedation, confusion, and balance impairment increasing the risk of falls.
Graphic Establishing good sleep hygiene habits can also help one get a good night's sleep. These include establishing a regular bedtime and getting up time, limiting daytime napping, and avoiding food, excessive fluid intake, and alcohol for several hours prior to bedtime.
Bookmark This Page: Add to Favorites | Add to Del.icio.us | Send to a Friend
VISITOR COMMENTS on "Medications Improves Sleep Cycle":
 |
More Articles |
 |
| 1. Positive Airway Pressure Advantages Over Sleep Apnea Surgeries Positive Airway Pressure Advantages Over Sleep Apnea Surgeries Cheaper. Much higher success rates for logical reasons. [...] |
||
| 2. Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Reasons and Features Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Reasons and Features Idiopathic Hypersomnia Apparently a new condition just classified for those of us who just either need more sleep or [...] |
||
| 3. How Long to Sleep How Long to Sleep Most adults sleep between 7 and 8 hours. But no one really knows how much sleep we need. Sleep [...] |
||
| 4. Child Settling Problems or Resists to Sleep Child Settling Problems or Resists to Sleep There are different reasons child may not want to go to bed at night. Find out why child is a night [...] |
||
|
Recent Searches increased |
Recent
Factors Reducing Treatments Effects
Excessive Sleepiness Trouble Shooting
Better Sleep and Try Strategies
Have Sleeping Trouble
Sleeping Pills
Sleep Apnea Surgeries
Sleep Apnea Diagnosing
Relief from Social Stress
Overcome Aging Sleep Problems
Oral Appliances
Random
Drug Classes and Therapy
Bed-Sleeping with Baby
Excessive Sleepiness Trouble Shooting
Medications Helps Child Better
Sleep Apnea Treatment
Overcome Aging Sleep Problems
Sleep Apnea Surgeries
Airway Pressure Advantages
Factors Reducing Treatments Effects
Factors Producing Insomnia
Insomnia Treatment
Have Sleeping Trouble
Sleep Disorder FAQ
Oral Appliances
Sleep Apnea Diagnosing
Sleeping Arrangements
Medications Effects Sleep Cycle
Apnea Surgery Failure
Sleeping Pills
Relief from Social Stress
ALL
