Parkinson's and sleep: How exercise increases the quality of life!

Parkinson's and sleep: How exercise increases the quality of life!

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and affects almost 2% of the world's population. Typical motor symptoms include tremors and postural instability. But non-motor symptoms such as sleep disorders also occur frequently. These challenges are discussed in a current analysis by Dr. Müge Yalçin and Prof. Dr. Angela Relógio from the MSH Medical School Hamburg treated. She studies the role of the internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm, in disease development and progression. Their findings are based on a systematic review of scientific literature and were published in the article “Circadian Clock Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Therapeutic Strategy,” which appears in the journal npj Parkinson’s Disease. [Medical School Hamburg] reports that disruptions in circadian rhythms (Circa) are often observed in Parkinson's patients and may accelerate the progression of the disease.

Researchers pointed out that circadian mechanisms regulate not only sleep-wake cycles, but also other biological processes such as hormone release and body temperature. According to the EU project CircaDopamine, it is investigating how these rhythms can be influenced in Parkinson's disease. A chronotherapeutic approach could be promising by adapting therapies to the biological rhythms of those affected. The aim of this chronotherapy is to increase the effectiveness of the therapy and improve the quality of life of those affected.

Sleep and exercise as therapeutic approaches

The importance of sleep and exercise for people with Parkinson's is also recognized by the German Society for Parkinson's and Movement Disorders. V. and the Parkinson Foundation highlighted. To mark World Parkinson's Day on April 11, 2025, a digital information day will be held focusing on exercise and sleep. Regular physical activity not only improves motor skills, but also increases the quality of life of those affected. Professor Dr. Claudia Trenkwalder points out that exercise and sport are the only effective strategies to mitigate the progression of the disease. [Parkinson Society] published a comprehensive meta-study that examined the positive effects of exercise in over 7,900 participants.

Although studies show significant progress, there are no specific recommendations for specific sports or intensities. A 2024 Danish study found that high-intensity exercise can improve motor symptoms more than moderate exercise. Despite these positive results, research into efficient training protocols remains limited and there is a need for large-scale, multicenter studies.

In addition to physical activities, the influence of sleep is of great importance. Sleep problems often occur in Parkinson's patients even before diagnosis. These disorders can be caused by medications and a disrupted internal clock. Health experts recommend improving sleep quality through special measures, such as electrically adjustable beds or adapted sleep hygiene. Restful sleep is essential for the neurobiological regeneration of the brain and plays a crucial role in the glymphatic system, which helps cleanse the brain during sleep.

The link between circadian rhythms and Parkinson's disease opens up new perspectives for therapy. A possible light therapy could help alleviate sleep disorders in neurodegeneration. Future developments in drug research must incorporate the concept of chronomedicine to enable better treatment of patients. Scientists are confident that as research progresses, new approaches can be developed to improve the quality of life of Parkinson's patients.