Correcting Dysfunctional Sleep

By Jacob Kidney, Essential Movements Yoga for Parkinson’s/movement disorders (ET/Dystonia)

I really love reading everything that Gary Sharpe has to write about his experiences with Parkinson's. He is always spot on. I know this is true from my own experience as well. My symptoms are always worse when I don’t sleep well. I love what he says here about sleep being the foundation for symptom reduction and moving in a positive direction.

So what can we do to have better sleep? I would love to hear what everyone does to help them sleep better.

For me, doing some sort of intense exercise earlier in the day and followed by a few different deep relaxation techniques/routines in the evening have dramatically changed my sleep patterns.

My sleep patterns were always very inconsistent all throughout college. Between working full time and full time school I would often go for three or four days at a time with only sleeping three to five hours per night. This pattern persisted for more than four years. It resulted in my tremors and overall health getting worse.

It has taken me two years of persistence to correct these dysfunctional sleep patterns to the point where I can manage my symptoms much more effectively and have begun to move in a positive direction.

This has been done by doing intense exercise every day. This can include biking, running,, hiking, weightlifting, yoga, etc. you need to effectively use the adrenaline in your body or else it is going to exacerbate your symptoms.

Then in the evening I will try a number of different things to help my body wind down and prepare it for sleep. This could include deep breathing, meditation, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. I always have an air mister defusing essential oils and gentle soothing music while falling asleep.

Also, scheduling daily free time to rest and take a nap if I need it has been invaluable. Especially, right after doing intense exercise.

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Getting Rid of Stress

By Jackie Potter

I have twin girls aged 12, a husband who works long hours, limited family support but so fortunate to have amazing girlfriends who make me laugh (so very important as you have covered in previous articles Gary).
I could not agree with your more about stress affecting medication, movement and pain, i.e. increases the latter and makes the other two ineffective. I have had Parkinson's for 7 years and I have spent a considerable time getting rid of as much stress as I can control (I won't go into detail on the control aspects as we are all very different).
What has helped me and still does on a daily basis:
Doing the things I love, gardening, painting, craftwork - makes me happy;
For relaxation I use calming zen music, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises;
For exercise I cycle, walk and use a weighted hoop for stretching and hooping.
When I am in a stressful situation, I use Faster EFT and I get am immediate response which allows me to move normally again.
Nutrition is an area I am working on and I appreciate all the information you are sharing Gary, it really is keeping me motivated. I see a Neurological Consultant only once a year and a Parkinsons Nurse twice (to increase my meds) so fairly minimal support.
This forum is so helpful to so many. Sharing individual experiences allows us all to tap into information and as individuals we can choose to try various foods, exercise, stress tools etc. etc.
I hope that maybe one day we could organise a gathering of like minded people for a day or even better - a weekend where we could support each other in an environment open to sharing freely experiences and demonstrate many of the tools you have tested and commented on.
If I could turn the clock back Gary 2 years when I raised a lot of money on a charity walk, I would pledge the money to you because you are doing something Now, Today, this Minute and being brave enough to share your research, opinions, videos and be so inspiring.
Thank you, again and please don't give up! I too want to come off meds and I too strongly believe we can heal our bodies with the right ingredients of exercise, foods, practicing calming techniques and definitely surrounding yourself with positive, supportive and happy people. Thank you.

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