Sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease: an overview

Sleep disturbances are one of the most common of the nonmotor complications of Parkinson's disease (PD), and increase in frequency with advancing disease. The causes of sleep disturbance in PD are numerous, and many patients may have several factors that contribute. These disorders can be broadly categorized into those that involve nocturnal sleep and daytime manifestations such as excessive daytime sleepiness. Some sleep disorders, in particular REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) may arise as a primary manifestation of PD, reflecting the anatomic areas affected by the neurodegenerative process. Appropriate diagnosis of the sleep disturbance affecting a PD patient can lead to specific treatments that can consolidate nocturnal sleep and enhance daytime alertness.