Use Sleep Accessories To Improve Mobility And Safety
People with PD should use accessories to avoid injuries caused by abnormal movements, make it easier to get in and out of bed, assist in turning or moving in bed, and prevent falls from the bed.
The best sleep accessories to get better sleep with Parkinsons Disease are adjustable beds, bedside rails, bed raises, mattress raises, rope ladders, and satin sheets.
See below for more details:
4.1: Adjustable Beds
The best modern adjustable beds are electrically controlled with full rotation capability, height adjustment, chair convertibility, vertical rise, and sequential programming at a touch of a button.
They also come in varying sizes, heights, styles, and finishes.
They can help you to move about in bed, and allow you to get in and out of bed on your own terms.
If youd like to buy an adjustable bed, pick from my list of the best adjustable beds to buy here.
4.2: Bedside Rail Grabs
Bedside rail grabs are safety rails placed along the bedside to prevent a person from falling off the bed.
It has a collapsible mechanism to lower the rail to the level of the mattress to help the user get in and out of bed.
It is portable and fits to all beds and is easy to transport.
4.3: Bed Raises
To get in and out of bed, it should be of appropriate height.
The general rule of thumb is that the bed should not be lower than the knee height .
You may use bed risers to lift the whole bed by a couple of inches.
They come in different sizes and makes.
4.4: Mattress Raises
Other Movement Disorders And Silk Sheets
Other neurological conditions can also affect sleep. Many people struggle with restless leg syndrome even without an underlying disease like Parkinsons or conditions such as periodic limb movement disorder which can also disrupt rest. Silk sheets may help increase comfort, mobility in bed, and ability to return to sleep after waking from these conditions as well.
What Are Draw Sheets
Draw sheets were made to be used on top of a base sheet. The person that’s sleeping in the bed will lie on top of the draw sheet, which can be used to pulled or gripped. The immobile individual can use the micro-movements that the carer creates to reposition, move, and provide assistance in moving themselves around the bed.
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Can The Brain Change
We know that in PD, neurons that produce the chemical transmitter dopamine are damaged and lost. There is a period of time between when the loss of neurons begins and when PD movement symptoms start to show. By the time most people are diagnosed, nearly 80 percent of their dopamine neurons are already gone.
During this period, the brain changes, compensating for the loss of dopamine neurons which occurs during the process of neurodegeneration. Scientists call this ability to change and compensate exercise-dependent neuroplasticity . This same process occurs throughout life in response to experience. As children learn motor skills, for example, their brain cells make new connections. This process continues through adulthood.
Exercise may affect the brain by driving this compensation, or plasticity. People with PD who exercise regularly can move more normally than those who do not. We believe that exercise may be contributing to neuroplasticity helping the brain maintain old connections, form new ones and restore lost ones. This may outweigh the effects of neurodegeneration.
Fad Diets To Avoid Or Be Skeptical Of:
There are many fad diets out there that someone with Parkinsons should be skeptical of such as the Caveman diet, Carnivore diet, Whole30 diet and many more. While these new diets claim to be the best thing since sliced bread many of them are unsustainable and not healthy for you in the long run.
Something else to watch out for are diets specific for Parkinsons. Thats right, you are reading a Parkinsons diet blog warning you of the dangers of Parkinsons specific diets. We do this because there is a lot of small studies out their claiming a specific food or nutrient will help with your Parkinsons while the truth is there really isnt any strong evidence for any of it. Worse yet, some of these foods or nutrients when taken in excess quantities can do more harm than good. The only real evidence-based diets that are shown to be good for Parkinsons are general healthy diets that work for everyone regardless of Parkinsons. The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest diets out there, which is why we recommend it to those with Parkinsons.
*In the past this blog has recommended specific healthy nutrients or foods for Parkinsons, we have since updated the blog to better reflect scientific consensus
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What Parkinsons Symptoms Can Improve From Exercise
Research has shown that exercise can improve gait, balance, tremor, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination. Exercise such as treadmill training and biking have all been shown to benefit, along with Tai Chi and yoga.
Studies have shown that:
Make Life A Little Easier With The Allbirds Tree Loungers Or An Apple Watch
Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Women’s Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.
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Parkinsons disease is a progressive disorder that develops as a result of losing dopamine-producing neurons. Due to how it affects cells in the brain and the depletion of dopamine, “Parkinsons disease includes symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia , and rigidity manifest, says Lynda Nwabuobi, MD, movement disorders neurologist and Parkinsons expert. Because this condition makes it difficult for people with Parkinson’s to complete everyday tasks, consider gifts that allow people to “live full enriched lives.”
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What Are The 5 Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is categorized into 5 stages.
- Stage 1 Its the initial stage where a person experiences mild symptoms restricting the daily activities.
- Stage 2 Its the second stage where a person experiences the worst symptoms, such as tremor and rigidity.
- Stage 3 Its considered the mid-stage of the disease where a person experiences loss of balance and slowness of movements along with previous symptoms.
- Stage 4 At this stage, things start to get severs, and a person will need help to walk.
- Stage 5 Its the last stage where the person suffering from Parkinsons is unable to stand or walk. At this stage, a person would need a wheelchair for movement.
Mulberry Park Silks Sheets Are Gentle On Skin And Hair
Along with being non-irritating, our silk sheets help keep hair and skin gently moisturized. One of the primary components of silk fiber is a protein known as sericin, which is naturally hydrating and soothing. In contrast, regular cotton sheets can actually dry out skin and inflame conditions like eczema. Learn more about the differences between silk and cotton sheets here.
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A Complete Guide To Understanding Slide Sheets
Did you know that lying in one position for an extended period can cause pressure injuries? We also know just how hard it is to turn in bed if you have medical problems. Slides sheets might be the solution you’re looking for.
Finding a system that makes it easier for you to move around in bed will help to reduce the chance of injury for you. It will also help you get better sleep by minimizing pain.
How do you go about finding a system that makes caring for yourself in bed more relaxed and less strenuous? Using a slide sheet system can drastically improve the quality of life for yourself.
Not sure what slide sheets are and all of the benefits that they have to offer you? Keep reading to learn more!
Can A Proper Mattress Help
Having the right mattress is a huge step in the right direction for someone with spinal stenosis. One of the causes of this condition is degeneration caused by the spine being out of alignment over long periods. This happens due to daily micro-traumas, like poor posture, too much sitting, and sleeping on a mattress that doesnt allow your spine to maintain a natural alignment.
The best thing about sleeping on a mattress that allows for proper alignment is that you could get the benefit of helping your body heal without having to do anything!
In addition to keeping your spine in the position its supposed to be in, a proper mattress can also help with pain relief. A bed that is either too hard or too soft for your condition could make your pain worse, while one that has an ideal mattress firmness level can help alleviate that symptom.
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Adapting Your Bedtime Routine For Better Sleep
Adequate and restful sleep is a part of good health whether or not you have Parkinsons disease or another. There are a handful of things that researchers recommend to promote better sleep quality and restfulness. These include getting adequate exercise during the day minimizing exposure to the blue light of screens, which reduces melatonin and retiring to bed at a consistent hour every day. If you are being kept awake by breathing problems or sleep apnea, speak to your physician he or she may send you for a sleep study to investigate further.
The Pencil Grip Heavyweight Mechanical Pencil Set Tpg
Make your loved ones day-to-day a little easier, starting with their writing utensils.
Accomplishing tasks can take longer due to slowness of movements, explains Dr. Nwabuobi. Writing and performing other fine motor tasks such as putting on jewelry or shaving can become more laborious due to tremor. Weighted pens are a great way for those with Parkinsons to cut down on tremors and gain better control of their hand while writing, making the process easier and handwriting more readable.
This weighted pen from The Pencil Grip is said to help people develop better motor control and build up strength through regular use. It weighs four ounces to add a nice level of heftiness and bring a smooth finish to any writing efforts.
Upon diagnosis, Dr. Nwabuobi advises all her patients to become physically active and start a fitness regimen. Ideally, exercise should include stretching, aerobic activity, and resistance training. I tell patients to do what they love as long as they are increasing their heart rate and breaking a sweat. This can include speed walking, dancing, yoga, swimming, cycling, boxing, pilates, etc., she adds. An apple watch is a great way for Parkinsons patients to not only keep track of their exercise habits, but all their daily movements. It also monitors heart rates and irregular irregular heart rhythms. Honestly, theres nothing like a new, shiny device meant to encourage physical activity to make you get up and move.
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Im Thankful I Can Go To The Bathroom
Isnt everybody? I just wish it didnt take so awfully long. I tried hissing one time while I was on the toilet, as someone in my support group suggested. They said it would relax my muscles. But it just distracted me, and I concentrated too much on whether anyone could hear me hissing and I forgot to relax. Or, I guess I did relax but not in the way I wanted, and I forgot what I was trying to do.
So, after that, I tackled putting the new satin sheets on my bed, determined that tonight would be the night I would get a good nights sleep for the first time in six years. Due to past experience, I didnt have my heart set on that good nights sleep. Im not that foolish. But I was hopeful. At least I might be able to move easily while in bed for a change.
Beds And Mattresses For Parkinsons Patients
Abnormal sleep is common in people with Parkinsons disease. While this problem can be effectively treated with medication, proper bedding material may relieve the pain associated with this disease and so can improve the sleeping behavior of patients to some extent.
Nowadays, we have modern bed frames and mattresses available on the market. They come with some good features that solve most of the sleeping problems associated with traditional beds.
We did some research online and compiled a list of bed frames and mattresses for Parkinsons patients. The frames are sturdy, durable, and very comfortable. They come with adjustable and desirable sleeping position options and may help to relieve the patient from chronic pain.
The mattresses are made from eco-friendly materials and provide responsive support and healthier sleep. They are crafted with plant-based Bio-Pur® material that keeps the patient cool all night. Each mattress features an open-cell design that allows more air to escape than traditional foam. They all are more breathable, durable, and comfortable than traditional foam.
So have a look at the list below and choose the bed frame or mattress that you think is best for your loved ones suffering from Parkinsons disease.
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Home Gadgets For People With Parkinsons Disease
by Health WriteriStock/Daisy-Daisy
Living with Parkinsons disease can make many everyday tasks more challenging. The progressive brain disorder causes symptoms like muscle stiffness, tremors, and trouble with balance and coordination. That means things like drying your hair, opening jars, and even sipping a drink might not come as easily as they once did. The following 10 nifty gadgets can help make mundane activities feel uneventful againreducing your risk of making a mess or hurting yourself, while enabling you to maintain your independence for longer. Ready to go shopping?
What Is The Wonder Sheet
The Wonder Sheetis a unique style of fitted bed sheet that combines a smooth and low-friction satin section in the centre of the sheet and a 50% poly/cotton at each end. For individuals suffering from limited mobility, the basic function of turning over in bed can be difficult and often painful. This fitted sheet helps the user to slide and turn with ease on the smooth satin panel, while the bottom part will help the feet grip. This will help you rolling over and swinging in and out of bed without effort.
The Wonder sheet is suitable for those who live with mobility challenges due to a condition or injury including Parkinsons Disease, Arthritis, Paraplegia, Motor Neuron Disease, Stroke, Brain Injury, Obesity, Poor Circulation or just general weakness and ageing. It would be very beneficial for the carer too as it makes getting patients in and out of bed easier.
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Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Nectar is a well-known name in the Mattress industry, and the company revolutionized the industry with its advanced mattress designs. The company offers 3 different mattress options, but the one Im recommending is Nectar Premier Copper Mattress, which is a memory foam mattress, and its also the most comfortable Mattress of the bunch.
The unique thing about this Mattress is that it comes with heat-conductive copper fibers, which make sure that your body heat stays balanced and it doesnt disturb your sleep.
On top of that, it comes with a thick base that properly provides support to your back and muscles so that you get better sleep and wake up fresh without fatigue.
Another reason why you would want to consider Nectar Mattress is that it offers a lifetime warranty and 365-Night Home Trial, which you wont see from other mattress companies out there.
I Knew I Wasnt Going To Make It
I slid to the end of the bed and landed with a thud onto the floor once again. By the time I stood up, I knew I wasnt going to make it to the bathroom in time and wet my pants.
After showering again for the night, I put on my flannel PJs, grabbed my favorite quilt and the pillow with the satin pillowcase, and went to the couch. After my pillow won the war of sliding out from under my head, I finally took off the pillowcase and went to sleep.
For sale: One set of satin sheets. Cheap.
Note: Parkinsons News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinsons News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinsons disease.
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