I have Parkinson’s disease and often feel worn out and low on energy. My exhaustion is rarely relieved by rest. And it feels different from a lack of drive or apathy. About 50 percent of people with this movement disorder experience fatigue, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. From both my personal experience and my years as a neurologist, I’ve identified five causes of fatigue.
Sleep disorders: Problems with sleep—such as REM sleep behavior disorder, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and insomnia—are common among people with Parkinson’s disease, and some have more than one disorder. Each can cause a feeling of lethargy. For example, I was diagnosed with REM sleep behavior disorder, which meant I was reenacting my dreams, sometimes with aggressive behavior such as trying to hit or choke my husband. My sleep was so disrupted, I felt and looked like a zombie. It wasn’t until my doctor prescribed an effective medication that I was able to recover my energy.
Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies of vitamins B12 and D are common in chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease. B12 plays an essential role in forming red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues of the body. Vitamin D protects cells from free radicals, which contribute to inflammation. It also helps with mitochondria (energy generating cells) to improve and increase oxygen and power to cells, including those in muscles.
Uncontrolled blood sugar: As a physician, I learned that dopamine affects the body’s glucose levels. Any drastic or sudden changes in blood sugar levels can cause symptoms of listlessness.
High or low blood pressure: Parkinson’s disease has been known to cause fluctuations in blood pressure that can be sudden or persistent. Plus, the medications used to treat Parkinson’s can change blood pressure. Both low and high blood pressure can make you feel lethargic, sleepy, or even sedated. It also can affect your concentration. Because of this, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure routinely and try to maintain a healthy level.
Your gut: Some researchers believe that fatigue can be caused by a decreased absorption of nutrients from the gut. Those of us who experience frequent constipation may feel nauseated or bloated, or experience stomach cramps and general malaise.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to discuss them with your physician. Once I addressed my vitamin deficiencies and sleep problems, my exhaustion subsided. I’m also careful to keep constipation in check. Anytime it gets out of control, the fatigue creeps in.
Dr. Leon retired from her neurology practice four years after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She lives in Nacogdoches, TX, and is the author of Parkinson’s Diva, which she published in 2015.
