Those dealing with Parkinson's disease know that it involves more than just trembling and labored movement.
Among other things, problems with day-night rhythms, sleep and mood are closely associated with Parkinson's disease. These symptoms often begin before the characteristic motor disturbances occur.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a type of "messenger chemical" in the brain that transfers information from one nerve cell to another. It affects many different bodily functions. An excess or deficiency in the amount of dopamine causes symptoms.
In Parkinson's disease, dopamine-producing cells in the brain stem die, causing a deficiency of this substance. This leads to muscle symptoms, such as trembling, difficulty (starting) to move, muscle stiffness and gait disturbances, as well as mental symptoms, including changes in thinking and emotion.
Parkinson's and the circadian rhythm
The dopamine systems in the brain have many functions and also interact with our internal clock. Therefore, problems with the circadian rhythm in men and women with Parkinson's are related to a lack of dopamine.
Dopamine is a substance that is most abundant in the morning in healthy individuals. It helps to be alert and concentrate. In the evening, the amount of dopamine decreases, which is part of becoming sleepy.
As already described, in Parkinson's there is a lack of dopamine, which negatively affects the circadian rhythm. Light is one of the most important signals for the body to keep our internal clock in sync. This not only affects the central clock in our brain (the suprachiamatic nucleus), but also affects the rhythms of other parts of the brain and body.
Research shows that various Parkinson's symptoms, such as sleep problems, depression, anxiety, fatigue and movement restriction can be alleviated by light therapy, which can improve the quality of life and well-being of the person with Parkinson's.
Light therapy and Parkinson's in scientific research
There have been a number of studies on light therapy in Parkinson's disease. The studies were diverse in design. For example, there were differences in light intensity, time of day and duration of treatment. Sometimes light therapy was administered after getting up in the morning. In other studies shortly before going to bed in the evening or twice daily.
The results of these studies indicate that light therapy provides some degree of improvement in many individuals with Parkinson's disease. Depending on the approach of the study, the focus was on all symptoms, which a person with Parkinson's may experience, sleep or mood disorders.
Some of the results that have come out of these studies are:
Reduction of tremors;
Reduction of depressive and anxiety symptoms;
Reduced daytime sleepiness;
Improvement in sleep;
Increase in physical activity;
Improvements in exercise.
Using light therapy for Parkinson's
For optimal effect, it is recommended to use light therapy daily for a long period of time. Certain symptoms, such as anxiety and insomnia, may diminish after only a few days of light therapy, and motor functions, for example, may improve only after longer use of a daylight lamp or light glasses.
Further research on light therapy in Parkinson's in required to gain a better understanding of light therapy in this condition, the optimal duration and timing of the light therapy session.
More general information about light therapy can be read in the blogs "Light Therapy" and "Light Therapy: When to Use it".
Buying light therapy glasses
The AYOlite light therapy glasses are now on sale at Word and Well-being. Are you interested? Click below to go to the webshop.
Questions about light therapy can be asked by emailing info@woordenwelzijn.nl. I am happy to help.
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is educational and general in nature. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis, personal advice or treatment from a qualified health care provider. Do you have Parkinson's and are interested in light therapy? Discuss with your neurologist what light therapy can do for you and what (potential) impact it may have on your symptoms and treatment.
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