Parkinson’s Getting Out Of Bed

Getting Up And Sitting Down

• To get up, scoot your hips to the edge of the chair. Keep your feet flat on the floor with knees apart.

• Put your hands on the armrests.

• Rock forward and push down on the armrests to stand. It may help to rock back and forth to build momentum.

• To sit down, back up to the chair as close as you can.

• Lean forward and bend your knees.

• Use the armrests to lower yourself onto the chair.

Writing Tips For Parkinson’s Disease

• Use large print, instead of script writing. Try using weighted pens or pencils and wrap black electrical tape around the barrel for additional grip.
• Use felt-tip markers and a large tablet on an easel.
• If you have difficulty using writing utensils, try typing notes or letters on a computer or typewriter.

What Types Of Mattresses Are Good For Parkinson’s

Some of the best mattresses for those that are suffering from mobility issues tend to be hybrid mattresses, that feature coil support systems, or well balanced all-foam mattresses that don’t sink down too much. One of the best rated mattresses for stabilizing comfort is the DreamCloud mattress that has a balanced firmness and pressure relief so the body can relax. Its design does a superior job at motion isolation, while allowing ease of mobility. Take a look at our full list below…

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Parkinsons Sleep Problems: Diagnosis And Treatment

Parkinsons disease is chronic and progressive, meaning it tends to get worse over time. However, there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and allow patients to get more restful sleep.

The simplest way to start sleeping better with Parkinsons disease is by adopting healthy sleep habits. Sleep hygiene tips for Parkinsons disease sufferers include:

• Sticking to regular bedtimes
• Following a consistent bedtime routine with soothing activities such as listening to music or reading a calming book
• Getting regular exercise, preferably early in the day
• Getting adequate exposure to light, whether outdoors or through light therapy
• Avoiding long naps and naps late in the day
• Creating a cool, dark, and comfortable sleeping environment
• Restricting bedtime activities to sex and sleep only
• Turning off screens an hour before bedtime
• Reducing liquid intake before bedtime
• Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco
• Eating a healthy diet and avoiding large meals at night

Light therapy, exercise, and deep brain stimulation have been successfully used to improve overall sleep quality and to treat specific conditions, such as REM sleep behavior disorder, in patients with Parkinsons disease. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia has proven effective at reducing insomnia in healthy adults, although further research is needed on the effects of CBT in patients with Parkinsons disease.

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Go To Bed Only When Sleepy

First, its important to be aware of the difference between being tired and being sleepy:

• Tiredness is a feeling of exhaustion this does not always involve the need to sleep
• Sleepiness means being ready to fall asleep. Signs of sleepiness may include yawning, having heavy eyelids or sore eyes, or even feeling a little unsteady.

Waiting to be sleepy before going to bed can help you fall asleep faster. Going to bed too early can give you time to worry and that, of course, can keep you awake.

If you dont fall asleep, try to get up. Lying in bed trying to get to sleep can make you feel anxious or frustrated. So, try getting up after about 20 minutes, go to another room and do something quiet and calm, such as reading. If you own a Theraposture adjustable bed or Rotoflex, change your position in bed or use the powered functionality to exit the bed in a controlled and relaxed manner.

Go back to bed only when you feel sleepy. Try not to leave your bedroom only to fall asleep in a chair or on the sofa as this doesnt help to build the link between your bed and sleep. A Theraposture bed will make getting in and out easier so the temptation to try and sleep in a chair can be avoided.

You may have to get up several times during the night if you cant fall asleep at bedtime or you wake during the night and cant get back to sleep. This can be difficult at first, but if you keep trying with this method your mind will soon link your bed and bedroom with getting to sleep quickly.

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Bed Mobility Problems For People With Parkinsons

Walkers, lift chairs everywhere but often the bed area is where mobility problems can be the worst- and people with Parkinsons are often affected much more than other afflictions. Bed transfers can be dangerous for both the affected person and any caregivers that are involved. What can be equally difficult is the ability to independently reposition in bed for comfort and to reduce the risk of bed sores.

Assistive devices are available but often are flimsy items made overseas and not suitable/safe to provide adequate assistance. Friendly Beds is an innovative/new product to address the bed mobility needs of people with Parkinsons and other issues. It allows a person to help themselves for improved safety, independence, self-esteem, and opportunity to build strength. Quality of life is a huge consideration for people with disabilities and Friendly Beds presents them choices that never existed before.

Memory Or Thinking Problems

Having issues with thinking and processing things could mean your disease is progressing. Parkinsons is more than a movement disorder. The disease has a cognitive part as well, which means it can cause changes in the way your brain works.

During the final stage of the disease, some people may develop dementia or have hallucinations. However, hallucinations can also be a side effect of certain medications.

If you or your loved ones notice that youre getting unusually forgetful or easily confused, it might be a sign of advanced-stage Parkinsons.

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% Discount On All Theraposture Products

Theraposture is a leading ethical adjustable bed and chair specialist that has been helping people with Parkinsons and other long term progressive conditions since 1981.

Personalised video assessments and product demonstrations are now available with our equipment specialists.

Please call 0800 012 6640 or visit the Theraposture website for more details.

You can also book an appointment here.

Theraposture is committed to protect its staff and clients against Covid-19 full details here.

Get in and out of a bed or a chair independently with a bespoke design that is handmade in any combination of size, function and style. With the reassurance of our 14-day Suitability Guarantee and free no obligation demonstrations, you can avoid expensive care costs and enjoy living at home for longer.

Our Trusted Assessors are highly experienced and understand the challenges you may face. Following an assessment of your individual needs they will recommend the right product to make life easier for you.

Trust us to get it right for you. We give you a 14 day suitability guarantee for peace of mind

Most Theraposture beds and chairs are perfect for their new owners and immediately make a huge difference. However on the rare occasion something is not quite right, options and solutions are always available.

We can either:

NEW! POWERED RISING HEEL SUPPORT FOR ROTOFLEX BEDS

Getting Dressed With Parkinson’s Disease

• Get dressed while sitting in a chair that has armrests — this will help you keep your balance.
• Roll from side to side to get pants over your hips. You can do this while sitting in a chair or lying down on your bed.
• Wear clothes that are loose fitting and have elastic waistbands.
• Choose wrap-around clothing instead of the pullover type. Also choose clothing that opens in the front, not the back so you don’t have to reach behind you.
• Wear clothing with large, flat buttons, zippers, or Velcro closures.
• Use a button hook to button clothing.
• Use a dressing stick if you have shoulder weakness to get your coat or shirt on or off.
• Use a zipper pull or attach a leather loop on the end of the zipper to zip pants or jackets.
• Wear slip-on shoes or buy elastic shoelaces that allow you to slip your shoes on and off without untying the laces. Use devices such as a sock donner and long-handled shoehorn for additional assistance.

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How Are Sleep Problems Diagnosed In People With Parkinsons Disease

If youre having problems sleeping, sit down with your healthcare provider to discuss the issue in detail. Your provider will ask you questions to better understand your symptoms.

Be prepared to explain when sleep disruptions happen and how they affect your life. Keeping a sleep journal for a few weeks can help you remember the details.

If your provider suspects you may have a sleep disorder, they may recommend you have a sleep study. This overnight test uses electrodes attached to your skin to track how your body functions when youre sleeping.

Comfort And Safety Tips

• Make sure electric cords, feeding lines or bedding wont get caught when the raiser is in motion.
• If your bed has a bedside rail or bed lever, it should be positioned so that it goes up and down with the mattress.
• Be aware that in the raised position, a mattress raiser can cause you to slide down and out of the bed.

An electric profiling or hospital bed can be used to help you sit up from lying down. Some people find it reduces dizziness and ankle swelling.

Hospital beds are usually height-adjustable and may have side rails. They may have casters or wheels, which allow the bed to be moved.

Electric profiling beds tend to look more like an ordinary bed. Both types of bed usually allow you to raise and lower the mattress at the head and knees.

If you have a partner and they want the bed in a different position, some styles of electric profiling beds split the mattress, so each person can adjust the mattress to the position they want.

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Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

Nectar is a well-known name in the Mattress industry, and the company revolutionized the industry with its advanced mattress designs. The company offers 3 different mattress options, but the one Im recommending is Nectar Premier Copper Mattress, which is a memory foam mattress, and its also the most comfortable Mattress of the bunch.

The unique thing about this Mattress is that it comes with heat-conductive copper fibers, which make sure that your body heat stays balanced and it doesnt disturb your sleep.

On top of that, it comes with a thick base that properly provides support to your back and muscles so that you get better sleep and wake up fresh without fatigue.

Another reason why you would want to consider Nectar Mattress is that it offers a lifetime warranty and 365-Night Home Trial, which you wont see from other mattress companies out there.

Easing Cramps Spasms Or Tremors Due To Parkinson’s

• Massage your legs nightly to relieve leg cramps.
• Take warm baths and use heating pads to help relieve muscle spasms and ease cramps.
• Use mineral ice to relax sore joints and muscles.
• Squeeze a small rubber ball to reduce hand tremors.
• At first indication of a tremor, if possible, try lying on the floor, face down, and relaxing your body for five to 10 minutes.

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Difficulties Turning Over In Bed

Turning over in bed can be difficult for people with Parkinsons because of rigidity. However, if you choose a Theraposture bed there are many accessories that can be added to assist you. These include bed side rails, lifting poles and grab handles which can be positioned in a variety of locations for easy access. By holding onto these strong and ergonomic fixtures you will be able to gain greater leverage so turning in bed requires less strength and effort.

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Using satin pyjamas or satin sheets may also help. The shiny material can help you to turn over, but try not to use satin sheets and satin pyjamas at the same time. Together, they can increase the risk of sliding out of bed too quickly.

If you use satin sheets or panels, make sure there is an area of friction either at the end or sides of the bed, so you can get some grip. Your Parkinsons nurse or occupational therapist should be able to give you advice.

There is no specific bed or mattress recommended for people with Parkinsons. What is best for you depends on your individual needs and preferences however we have one of the widest range of specialist mattresses available. Telephone one of our specialist advisors to discuss your individual needs on 0800 834654.

Sleep Disturbances In Parkinson’s Disease

In general, research seems to indicate that people with Parkinson’s disease have more sleep disruptions than similarly aged people without the disease. The most commonly reported sleep-related problems are the inability to sleep through the night and difficulty returning to sleep after awakening, generally referred to as maintenance insomnia. Unlike many older adults, patients with Parkinsons disease often find that they have no trouble initiating sleep, but often wake up within a few hours and find sleeping through the rest of the night to be difficult. People with Parkinson’s disease also report daytime sleepiness, nightmares, vivid dreams, nighttime vocalizations, leg movements/jerking while asleep, restless legs syndrome, inability to or difficulty turning over in bed, and awakenings to go to the bathroom.

Although all the reasons for these sleep changes are unknown, potential explanations include reactions to/side effects of medications and awakening due to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, urinary frequency, tremor, dyskinesia, depression and/or disease effects on the internal clock.

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How To Choose The Right Mattress For Parkinsons Patients

When it comes to choosing the right Mattress for Parkinsons Patients, the following are some of the factors you should consider.

• Comfort Make sure that the Mattress you are choosing is comfortable, and you can ensure it by checking the structure of the Mattress. If your chosen brand has an outlet near your home, I recommend you visit it and then try it before buying the Mattress.
• Warranty Another thing which you should consider is the warranty. Ensure that the Mattress you are choosing has a respectable warranty period during which you can claim a change of Mattress.

Guide To Helping Someone Transfer From A Wheelchair To A Bed

Caution! If you intend to move someone on your own, it is important that they can weight bear and move their feet a bit. If they cannot do this, you will need an extra person to help.

Using a slide sheet is the easiest way to help someone move in bed. If you dont have one, then you can improvise in the short term by using a good quality plastic sheet or bag as a substitute .

Step 1

Place the chair parallel to the bed, ensure that the brake is on, the footplate is up and, if possible, remove the armrest nearest to the bed.

Step 2

Stand on the other side of the person to the bed, facing the same direction and with your feet apart, one foot in front of the other.

Make sure that the persons feet are positioned for standing.

Bend your knees and put your arm around them, placing one hand on the person’s farthest hip and with your other hand take hold of their nearest hand.

Step 3

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Difficult To Get Out Of Bed

Hi Everyone,

Im new here and the title of my post is true every which way!!! Ive been diagnosed for a few years but recently have really found it really really harrd to get in and out of bed because of the stiffness. Its really hit and miss every day and Im also getting much more tired and my mobility is starting to get on and off as well – dont always feel that coordinated. My pace is slowing and Im often having to stop myself bumping into things and needing to stop and rest so much more. Do any of you think theres a medication that can help with this or is my best bet exercise and physio? If that can make an improvement.

With the bed situation, I dread going to sleep and waking up now just because of how hard it gets swinging myself in and out. Are there any beds you recommend that work for you and has anyone had a hospital bed? Can you get these from the NHS from a therapist or medic or do you have to buy one or something similar?

So many questions but it would be great if i could get some advice as were all going through this so now how we all feel.

Thanks Monica Xx

Hello Monika

Is the biggest part of the problem being able to move, or stiffness or pain? I have had disc problems in the past and recently have started to have pain when first standing up in the morning. I now do a few minutes back loosening exercises

Im just feeling, Why me? as we all do but sometimes all I can do is cry and the tears cant always soothe my heart. Why cant it just stop?

What Else Can I Do To Sleep Better With Parkinsons Disease

Practicing healthy sleep hygiene habits may also promote more restful sleep.

• Get outside during the day. Bright light tells your body its time to be awake.
• Keep your body moving during the day. Even if all you feel up to is a short walk or two, all physical activity offers benefits.
• Try at-home remedies, such as massage or a warm bath. Relaxing your mind may help your body fall asleep.

Dont:

• Take long naps during the day.
• Use stimulants, such as caffeine, within six hours of bedtime.
• Use your bedroom for activities other than sleeping. Go to another room to read, watch TV or work.

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