Surreal illustration of daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease, with neurological and dream-like imagery.

Snooze or Lose: Unmasking Excessive Sleepiness in Parkinson's Patients

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the hidden factors behind why Parkinson's disease patients struggle with daytime sleepiness and what you can do about it."

Parkinson's disease (PD) is often recognized for its motor symptoms like tremors and stiffness, but the non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Among these, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) stands out, affecting a substantial proportion of individuals living with PD.

EDS isn't just feeling a little tired; it's a persistent and overwhelming sense of sleepiness that can interfere with daily activities, concentration, and overall well-being. Studies suggest that up to 60% of people with Parkinson's experience EDS, making it a critical area of concern for both patients and healthcare providers.

While factors like disease severity, medication side effects, and disrupted nighttime sleep have long been associated with EDS in PD, recent research is unveiling a more complex picture. This article delves into a study that uncovers surprising links between psychiatric conditions, specific medications, and excessive daytime sleepiness, offering new insights into managing this challenging symptom.

Unveiling the Unexpected Culprits Behind Daytime Sleepiness

Surreal illustration of daytime sleepiness in Parkinson's disease, with neurological and dream-like imagery.

A recent study published in Neurological Research investigated the factors contributing to EDS in a group of 88 Parkinson's disease patients. Unlike previous research that primarily focused on motor symptoms and medication dosages, this study took a comprehensive approach, examining a range of clinical, psychiatric, and sleep-related variables.

The findings revealed some unexpected connections: Individuals with Parkinson's who experienced psychotic disorders were significantly more likely to report excessive daytime sleepiness. Those with anxiety disorders also showed a greater tendency to experience EDS. Surprisingly, the use of dopaminergic agonists, a common type of medication used to manage motor symptoms, was also linked to increased sleepiness.

The Key Findings are:

Psychotic Disorders: A strong association between psychotic symptoms and EDS.
Anxiety Disorders: Increased likelihood of EDS in patients with anxiety.
Dopaminergic Agonists: A surprising link between these medications and daytime sleepiness.

These findings suggest that the causes of EDS in Parkinson's disease are more multifaceted than previously thought. It highlights the importance of considering a patient's mental health and medication profile when addressing this debilitating symptom. While dopaminergic agonists are essential for managing motor symptoms, healthcare providers need to be aware of their potential to contribute to EDS and explore alternative treatment strategies when necessary.

The Road Ahead: Comprehensive Care for Parkinson's and Sleep

This research underscores the importance of a holistic approach to managing Parkinson's disease. Addressing excessive daytime sleepiness requires more than just adjusting medication dosages; it necessitates a comprehensive assessment of a patient's psychiatric well-being and sleep patterns. Further research into the neurochemical mechanisms underlying EDS in Parkinson's is crucial to develop targeted therapies that can improve the quality of life for individuals living with this challenging condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/01616412.2018.1548746, Alternate LINK

Title: Factors Related To Excessive Sleepiness In Patients With Parkinson’S Disease

Subject: Neurology (clinical)

Journal: Neurological Research

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Manoel Alves Sobreira-Neto, Márcio Alexandre Pena-Pereira, Emmanuelle Silva Tavares Sobreira, Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas, Carlos Maurício Oliveira De Almeida, Regina Maria França Fernandes, Vitor Tumas, Alan Luiz Eckeli

Published: 2018-11-21

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in the context of Parkinson's Disease, and why is it such a concern?

Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Parkinson's Disease isn't just about feeling a bit tired. It's a persistent and overwhelming sense of sleepiness that can really mess with daily life. It affects concentration, making it hard to focus, and it impacts overall well-being. Studies show that up to 60% of people with Parkinson's experience EDS, so it's a serious concern for both patients and their healthcare providers.

Besides disease severity and medication dosages, what unexpected factors contribute to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Parkinson's Disease, according to recent research?

A recent study highlighted unexpected links between psychiatric conditions, specific medications, and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Parkinson's Disease. It found that individuals with Parkinson's who experienced psychotic disorders were significantly more likely to report EDS. Anxiety disorders were also linked to a greater chance of experiencing EDS. Surprisingly, dopaminergic agonists, commonly used to manage motor symptoms, were also associated with increased sleepiness. This shows that the causes of EDS are more complex than just disease severity or medication dosages.

In what ways did the 'Neurological Research' study pinpoint the connection between mental health, medications, and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's?

The study revealed that individuals with Parkinson's experiencing psychotic disorders were significantly more prone to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). Similarly, those grappling with anxiety disorders also exhibited a higher likelihood of experiencing EDS. Furthermore, the use of dopaminergic agonists, while crucial for managing motor symptoms, surprisingly correlated with increased daytime sleepiness. This underscores the intricate relationship between mental health, medication, and sleep patterns in individuals with Parkinson's.

How do dopaminergic agonists, typically used to manage motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease, paradoxically contribute to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS)?

Dopaminergic agonists play a vital role in managing motor symptoms in Parkinson's Disease, but there's a catch. Research indicates a link between these medications and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). This means that while these agonists help with tremors and stiffness, they might also contribute to daytime sleepiness. Healthcare providers need to carefully weigh the benefits against the potential for EDS and consider alternative treatment strategies when necessary.

What does comprehensive care for Parkinson's Disease look like when addressing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), and what further research is needed?

Addressing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) in Parkinson's Disease requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond just adjusting medication dosages. It's crucial to assess a patient's psychiatric well-being and sleep patterns thoroughly. Further research into the neurochemical mechanisms underlying EDS is essential for developing targeted therapies. This includes understanding how psychotic disorders, anxiety disorders, and dopaminergic agonists interact to cause EDS and exploring new ways to manage these factors to improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's.