Hi All I would appreciate any advice. I am having great difficulty turning in bed due to stiffness. I am taking slow release Madopar at night to help but I am still so uncomfortable as my legs and feet tend to freeze. I am thinking that if I had a more comfortable bed it might help my mobility. Is there a particular bed designed for Parkinson’s patients? kindest regards.
HI boomerang Difficulty Turning in bed. these were my first systems of PD, BEDS??? i am in a double bed with hubby, if I can;t sleep I will get up and if tired get down on the sofa, must say I find it a lot easyer to turn on the sofa if i am in bed i can not turn at all. I can only say what i think would be best but have you seen those bed that will help you sit up, and half the bed can lift up for your legs, I think you should visit a mobility shop and see what they are like, please post again and tell members how you went on,
I haven’t slept in a bed now for two years. I have a riser recliner in my living room.
You could ask for a physio assessment and might be eligible for an adjustable profile bed, usually free of charge on the NHS.
A few suggestions, all cheaper than getting a new bed.
- Get an electric under blanket for the bed. it helps with freezing and I use one 365 days of the year. It costs pennies to run.
- Heat pads for the bed also help. I use two, one for the feet, and one for the rest.
- For difficulty turning in bed (a very common symptom), get shiny, bed-linen and jim-jams. I use Indian Cotton bedding and silk pajamas.
- Put a bar of soap under your mattress at the end of the bed. This is a folk remedy for ‘restless legs’ . Never underestimate the placebo effect.
Like you, I take Madopar CR before bed. It isn’t very good. I also use Madopar dispersible, which you drink in water, like disprin. I use it when I cannot sleep. Unlike the CR it takes effect very quickly.
Try satin pyjamas and bed sheets these help because there is less friction, they work a treat
Hi Boomerang
Ask your GP for an occupational therapist review. My husband has a hospital bed provided by the nhs with squashy mattress to help avoid bed sores.
He is very immobile a full time wheelchair user unable to stand now (actually a separate orthopaedic problem not related to Parkinsons)
You maynot want to be sleeping in your own single bed of course. The occupational therapists also provide satin type sheets that aid turning in bed and side fitted grab bars.
We have purchased all in one duvets that don’t require a separate cover so they don’t get tangled round my husbands legs. He mostly runs hot so we haven’t sought heated under blankets but do use heated wheat bags is he gets cold feet.
Hope you get some comfort soon.
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