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Parkinson’s disease comes with a set of challenges, and one of them is fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom that stems from Parkinson’s and can greatly impact your loved one’s daily life. Whether it’s experiencing an impromptu loss of energy or persistently feeling exhausted, getting a handle on fatigue is key to maintaining a high quality of life. We’ll guide you through the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and fatigue, as well as effective strategies that can help your loved one increase their energy levels and fight off Parkinson’s fatigue.

Relationship Between Parkinson’s and Fatigue

Fatigue is a common issue that occurs in people who have Parkinson’s Disease. In fact, studies show that one-third of individuals with Parkinson’s consider fatigue to be their most troublesome symptom. This overlooked problem can happen at any time ranging from mild to severe. It has often been described as an uncomfortable feeling of low energy that doesn’t simply go away with a good night’s sleep. Individuals who suffer from Parkinson’s can experience mental fatigue, physical fatigue, or a combination of both.  

Cause of Parkinson’s Fatigue

The exact cause of fatigue has not yet been determined. However, according to adpaparkinson.org, motor symptoms such as stiffness and tremors could contribute to tiring out the muscles. Additionally, certain medications taken for symptoms of Parkinson’s and being in subpar physical condition can make fatigue worse. Having a firm grasp of Parkinson’s fatigue and discovering ways to manage it are vital to preserving a high quality of life.  

Parkinson’s and Sleep Disorders

Parkinson’s disease is often coupled with various sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can substantially impact the quality of life of people with Parkinson’s. Insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness are just a couple of sleep disorders that can result in increased fatigue, cognitive impairment, and reduced well-being. Below are some of the most common sleep conditions:

Insomnia

Some Parkinson’s medications such as Osmolex ER and Zelapar can cause insomnia if they’re taken around bedtime. At times, insomnia can result on its own with no other causes.

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Excessive daytime sleepiness, also known as EDS, can be brought on by Parkinson’s and the use of medications. If there’s an intense amount of sleepiness, a doctor may conduct a sleep study to assess sleep and one’s capability of remaining awake during the day.

Restless Legs Syndrome

Since symptoms of restless legs syndrome often happen in the evening, they could impact sleep. Restless legs syndrome can be caused by medications, iron deficiency, or Parkinson’s itself.

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Strategies to Fight Fatigue

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Fatigue often goes hand-in-hand with Parkinson’s disease. It can substantially impact your loved one’s daily routines, energy levels, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are various ways to manage Parkinson’s fatigue. From exercise to medication adjustments, the following methods can help increase energy and strengthen their well-being.

Exercise

When an individual has fatigue, it can be challenging for them to muster up the energy to exercise. Many people with Parkinson’s have felt a boost in energy when they start their day with exercise. Whether it’s taking a walk or doing yoga, they should do an exercise that they enjoy. Additionally, doing some easy stretches or a low-impact workout in the evening hours can help improve sleep.

Take Naps

Individuals with Parkinson’s should consider incorporating short naps into their daily routines to help alleviate fatigue. Experimenting with different nap times and durations can help determine what works best. However, it is important to avoid long naps in the late afternoon since they can disrupt sleep quality and cause drowsiness. For the best results, naps should last between 10 to 30 minutes and be taken during the mid to late afternoon.

Adjust Medications

Certain medications increase the production of dopamine in the brain and can bring on fatigue. Fortunately, dosage adjustments may help to resolve the issue. It’s critical to inform the doctor about any supplements or additional medications that are being taken as some of them could also cause fatigue.  

Help with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s can be a challenge for both loved ones and those who experience it, especially when it comes to effectively handling fatigue. Fatigue can severely impact daily activities and decrease the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s. However, by tapping into actionable strategies and medication adjustments, it can make all the difference. For help with Parkinson’s in the Fishers, Indiana area, contact the professional team at Senior Check-In. Senior Check-In offers a comprehensive set of homecare services from respite care to companion services.

 

Senior Check-In 

This information was provided by Senior Check-In in Indiana. Senior Check-In offers home care services including memory care, respite care, and companion care.

Interested in learning more about Senior Check-In? Contact us online, or call at (855) 420-1200.