Clinical Manifestations of Subjective Sleep Disorders in Chinese Patients with Parkinson’s Disease and Their Relationship with Dopaminergic Drugs

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Sleep disorders are common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and significantly impact quality of life. Herein, we surveyed the incidence and severity of sleep disorders in Chinese PD patients and observed their relationship with dopaminergic drugs. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We collected the demographic and disease information of 232 PD patients. The incidence and severity of sleep disorders were surveyed with the Parkinson’s disease sleep scale (PDSS) Chinese version. Data on dopaminergic drug intake were collected and converted to levodopa equivalent doses (LED). <b><i>Results:</i></b> The average total score of PDSS in 232 patients was 119.3 ± 19.7. There was a significant difference in PDSS scores between groups classified by the Hoehn-Yahr (H&Y) stage, but not between the groups classified by the type of dopaminergic drugs. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the LED of dopaminergic drugs taken before bedtime (<i>p</i> < 0.00), LED of dopaminergic drugs taken over a 24-h period (<i>p</i> < 0.00), and scores of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) (<i>p</i> = 0.01) were determinants of PDSS. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Sleep disorders in PD patients may be multifactorial. High dosage of dopaminergic drugs taken prior to sleep, daily total high dosage of dopaminergic drugs, and depression exert negative effects on subjective sleep. The timing and dosage of dopaminergic drugs taken before bedtime should be considered in PD management.