Sleep Dysfunction in Older Age Parkinson's Disease
Abstract
Sleep and circadian disturbances are prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD) and become increasingly complex in older adults, where aging-related changes, comorbidities, and polypharmacy further disrupt sleep. This review explores the pathophysiology of sleep and circadian dysfunction in aging and PD, highlighting the impact of neurodegenerative changes and neurotransmitter dysregulation. Key sleep disorders in older adults with PD are discussed with a focus on their epidemiology, assessment, and tailored management. Given the heightened sensitivity of older adults to medications, non-pharmacological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, light therapy, structured exercise, and environmental modifications are emphasized as first-line treatments.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
- Environmental modifications
- Circadian clock
- Synaptic transmission
- Parkinson's disease
- Humans
The paper
The University of Sydney; Older Person Medical Clinic
Sleep Medicine Clinics, 9 Jun 2025
