Brain with clocks and stars, symbolizing sleep and time in Parkinson's disease.

Can Sodium Oxybate Offer Hope for Parkinson's-Related Sleep Disturbances?

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 3 min read.

"A recent study suggests that sodium oxybate, typically used for narcolepsy, may alleviate sleep disturbances in Parkinson's patients, offering a potential new therapeutic avenue."

Parkinson's disease is often recognized for its motor symptoms like tremors and rigidity, but it also brings a host of non-motor challenges, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life. Among these, sleep disturbances and excessive daytime sleepiness are particularly common and can be debilitating.

Traditionally, treatments for Parkinson's have primarily focused on managing motor symptoms. However, addressing non-motor symptoms like sleep disorders is increasingly recognized as crucial for comprehensive care. This recognition has spurred research into new therapeutic options, offering hope for those struggling with these often-overlooked aspects of the disease.

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has explored the potential of sodium oxybate, a medication commonly used to treat narcolepsy, in alleviating sleep disturbances in Parkinson's patients. This article delves into the findings of this study, examining how sodium oxybate works, its potential benefits, and what experts recommend for future research and clinical practice.

Sodium Oxybate: A Novel Approach to Parkinson's Sleep Issues?

Brain with clocks and stars, symbolizing sleep and time in Parkinson's disease.

The study by Büchele et al. investigated the effectiveness of sodium oxybate in Parkinson's patients experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness and disrupted nighttime sleep. Sodium oxybate is known for its ability to improve sleep architecture in individuals with narcolepsy, and this study sought to determine if similar benefits could be observed in Parkinson's patients.

The crossover study involved 12 patients, with 10 receiving the medication. The treatment was administered at bedtime, with a dosage of 3-9 grams, individually titrated. Key measurements included:

Improvements in the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT).
Changes in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).
Polysomnography and sleep quality assessments.

The results indicated a significant improvement in MSLT scores (reduced sleep latency by 2.9 minutes) and a decrease in ESS scores (reduced daytime sleepiness by 4.2 points). Specifically:

Future Directions and Clinical Implications

The study provides encouraging evidence for the potential use of sodium oxybate in managing sleep disturbances associated with Parkinson's disease. However, the authors emphasize the need for larger, longer-term studies to fully evaluate its efficacy and safety. Neurologists suggest careful monitoring due to potential side effects and the importance of identifying medication-induced sleep issues that may impact effectiveness.

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Everything You Need To Know

What is Sodium Oxybate and how is it being explored for treating sleep disturbances?

Sodium oxybate is a medication typically used to treat narcolepsy. It's being investigated as a potential treatment for sleep disturbances, including excessive daytime sleepiness and disrupted nighttime sleep, in patients with Parkinson's disease. The research focuses on whether sodium oxybate, known for improving sleep architecture, can also benefit those suffering from Parkinson's.

How did the recent study by Büchele et al. assess the impact of Sodium Oxybate on Parkinson's patients?

The study by Büchele et al. employed a crossover design to assess the effects of sodium oxybate on Parkinson's patients. The study involved 12 patients, with 10 receiving the medication. Researchers measured improvements in the Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT), changes in the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and sleep quality assessments using Polysomnography. The dosage of Sodium Oxybate ranged from 3-9 grams, individually titrated, and administered at bedtime. The results provided indications on the efficacy of the drug.

What were the key findings of the study regarding Sodium Oxybate and Parkinson's-related sleep issues?

The study reported significant improvements in patients treated with sodium oxybate. Specifically, there was a significant improvement in Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) scores, with a reduction in sleep latency by 2.9 minutes, and a decrease in Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) scores, with daytime sleepiness reduced by 4.2 points. These findings suggest sodium oxybate may effectively reduce daytime sleepiness and improve sleep quality in Parkinson's patients.

What are the implications of using Sodium Oxybate for treating sleep disorders in Parkinson's patients?

The study's findings suggest that sodium oxybate may offer a new therapeutic avenue for addressing sleep disturbances in Parkinson's patients. This is particularly important as sleep disturbances are a significant non-motor symptom impacting the quality of life of these patients. However, neurologists emphasize the need for larger, longer-term studies to fully assess its efficacy and safety, and careful monitoring due to potential side effects. Additionally, identifying medication-induced sleep issues is crucial for optimal treatment.

What future research is recommended regarding the use of Sodium Oxybate in Parkinson's?

Experts recommend further research, including larger and longer-term studies, to fully evaluate the effectiveness and safety of sodium oxybate for Parkinson's patients. These studies should carefully monitor for potential side effects. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of sodium oxybate's benefits and risks, and to determine the most effective and safest ways to use it in clinical practice for treating sleep disturbances associated with Parkinson's disease.