Insomnia

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It's very difficult to put into words the extent to which the sheer exhaustion just consumes and takes over one's body. To say that I am tired, or exhausted, or depleted simply doesn't do it justice, yet I cannot find a stronger word to describe the incapacity that totally engulfs me. Due to the constant insomnia, sleep deprivation takes its toll, and therefore I find myself taking cat naps (or 'power naps' being the new fashionable term!) in a comfortable armchair, instead of laying down in bed. This in no way makes up for the lack of a good night's sleep, but I guess it keeps me going. Last night I managed to get just two hours sleep, and trying not to disturb my husband, I lay there listening to music on my MP3 player for hours. Wouldn't it be great if all PD patients could somehow get together and have a party in the middle of the night when we are all awake and suffering from the frustrations of insomnia! We could have cocktails, shaken not stirred of course, dance the jitterbug or shake rattle and roll until the dawn. I wish you all a good weekend, and to any PD sufferers, a good night's sleep!