Symptom 6: Sleep Disturbances – The Restless Nights of Synucleinopathy
In the narrative of synucleinopathy symptoms, a significant player often overlooked is sleep disturbances. These aren’t just occasional sleepless nights; we’re talking about persistent disruptions that affect overall well-being and quality of life for individuals grappling with synucleinopathy.
Initially, you might notice subtle changes, such as difficulty falling asleep or maintaining a deep sleep throughout the night. This could manifest as instances of waking up frequently or early morning awakenings that leave you feeling exhausted rather than refreshed. It’s as if sleep, the much-needed sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, suddenly becomes an elusive dream.
The culprits behind these sleep disturbances are those α-synuclein proteins. They don’t just wreak havoc in parts of the brain responsible for motor control but also invade areas that regulate sleep. Imagine a night watchman intermittently dozing off during his duty; that’s what happens when these proteins interfere with the neurons responsible for maintaining healthy sleep cycles.
But synucleinopathy doesn’t stop at causing a mere disruption in sleep patterns. As the disorder progresses, the sleep disturbances often escalate, going beyond simple insomnia. Individuals might start to experience symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder. This condition involves physically acting out vivid, often intense dreams, sometimes leading to self-injury or injury to the bed partner. (6)
