Time Changes and Medication Routines for Parkinson's Disease Patients
Impact of Time Changes on Medication Schedules and Dosages
Turning over to Daylight Saving Time (DST) can pose a challenge for Parkinson's disease patients regarding their medication schedules. To help manage this, here's some advice from our seasoned Parkinson's nurses.
Stick to your routine, but stay adaptable. The recommended approach is to follow the new DST clock time as your guide for taking medications. So, if you usually take your dose at 8am, continue taking it at 8am, adjusting to the adjusted clocks.
That being said, keep in mind that DST might cause sleep disruptions, according to research. Give yourself some wiggle room to adjust and catch up on sleep during the transition. Embrace any extra rest you might need and stick to your usual sleep hygiene practices.
Oh, and those sunny days – don't forget to spend time outdoors and soak up the sunlight. Exposure to sunlight aids your body in adjusting to the new time.
Better Sleep for Parkinson's Patients
Sleep disturbances are a common issue for people with Parkinson's, which can lead to health complications. Here are a few tips to help you get a better night's rest:
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule – head to bed at the same time and wake up at the same time.
- Structure your evening routine – create a series of relaxing activities like a snack, bath, teeth brushing, and toileting, then stick to your new routine each evening.
- Get outside and exercise daily – morning exercise is best, but make it work for you. Just remember to avoid strenuous workouts after sunset.
- If you snooze, keep naps brief – aim for around an hour, and schedule your nap at the same daily time. And remember, no napping after 3pm.
- Save reading and TV-watching for a different room.
For additional assistance, don't hesitate to call the Parkinson's NSW InfoLine: 1800 644 189.
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… (The rest of the article has been condensed and restructured for readability.)
- Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and incorporating relaxation activities like a snack, bath, and tooth brushing may help Parkinson's patients manage sleep disturbances, which are often linked to medical conditions and can lead to health complications.
- Embracing the benefits of health and wellness practices, such as daily exercise, adequate sunlight exposure, and proper nutrition, can contribute to better sleep quality for Parkinson's patients, as well as overall improvement in their condition.
