Experts reveal unusual early signs of Parkinson's disease

Early signs of Parkinson's disease may seem hard to detect, and they may show up in your sleep patterns.

The Parkinson's Foundation claims that "sudden movements during sleep" may be a sign of Parkinson's disease, MedicaForum reported.

"It's normal for everyone to have a night where they 'toss and turn' instead of sleeping. Similarly, rapid body twitches when falling asleep or in lighter sleep are common and often normal," notes the Parkinson's Foundation.

According to the foundation, sleep and bedtime problems are common in Parkinson's disease. They can affect you at any stage of the disease and cause you to feel tired and sleepy.

The Mayo Clinic says that Parkinson's disease and sleep are linked in a complex way that even scientists don't fully understand.

Sometimes, Parkinson’s disease directly causes sleep problems. "According to one study, sleep-related symptoms may be one of the earliest signs of Parkinson’s disease. These signs may include things like thrashing while you’re asleep. Many people with Parkinson's disease experience sleep problems. Researchers estimate that up to two out of three people with Parkinson's disease have trouble sleeping," experts say.

Motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

• Stiff muscles.
• Tremors (shaking, typically in your hands or legs, that you can’t control).
• Problems with balance or coordination.
• Unusually slow movements (bradykinesia).

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