Hi all, my hwp (24yrs) never sleeps well. We know that’s a PD thing, plus need to get up to wc in night. But sometimes he just can’t sleep (fretting about life in general, the future, overstiulated by occasional late tv, that kind of stuff I suspect).
Good sleep makes so much difference to him, to all of us. As his carer I too sleep badly but variously take cbd oil, Rescue me drops, valerian or cammomile tea, and sometimes too much alcohol
GP won’t prescribe melatonin yet, as his meds are changing slightly to control falls/fainting from postural hypotension, so they need to gauge effect of that first. The other difficulty is that anything given with a slightly sedating effect could make the already regular falls worse. So he catches up on sleep during the day, which makes sleeplessness more likely at night.
Any tips and suggestions welcome.
Thank you for sharing your experience—sleep difficulties are incredibly common with Parkinson’s, and it’s understandable that both your partner and you are feeling the effects. You’re right to be cautious with anything sedating, especially with his history of falls and postural hypotension.
Here are a few ideas that might help with sleep, while taking those safety concerns into account:
Keeping a regular sleep routine (going to bed and getting up at the same times) is key, even if some sleep catch-up happens during the day.
Try to minimise stimulating activities close to bedtime—dim lights, quieter activities, and avoiding TV or screens for a little while before bed can sometimes help the mind wind down.
If anxiety or worries are keeping him up, gentle relaxation techniques like slow breathing, mindfulness exercises, or listening to calming music or nature sounds may be useful.
Keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, with easy access to the toilet, often makes night waking less disruptive.
Limiting daytime naps or keeping them earlier in the afternoon, so they don’t impact nighttime sleep as much.
Herbal options like chamomile or valerian tea (as you’ve tried) are generally safe, but be sure to mention everything to the healthcare team, just in case of interactions.
For you as a carer, carving out time for self-care—even a few minutes of something relaxing before bed—can help with your own rest.
If sleep continues to be difficult, keep a simple sleep diary for a week or so and share it with the Parkinson’s nurse or specialist at the next review. Sometimes just having a clearer picture helps shape a better plan.
It’s really tough balancing safety and quality of life, but you’re doing an amazing job by reaching out and seeking solutions. The Parkinson’s UK helpline and online forum are also always available if you need more support, for both you and your partner.
Hi guys. I’ve had positive feedback about this online tool. There is a section where you can check to see if you’re eligible to have it free on the NHS…
