Sleep Better and Soothe Parkinson's Symptoms with Silk Sheets

Parkinson’s disease has the potential to disrupt sleep. This worsens how the patient feels and increases the risk of accidents. This article discusses how sleeping on silk sheets can create a better, more restful sleep environment for anyone with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease: A Movement Disorder that Impacts Sleep

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and other bodily functions. Individuals with Parkinson’s will often display symptoms such as tremors in the hands, arms, and head; a slow, stiff walking gait; and poor balance and coordination. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly one million Americans have a Parkinson’s diagnosis. About 60,000 new cases are identified every year, typically in individuals between 60 and 80 years of age.

One of the lesser-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is sleep issues. Some of these are movement related; others are a consequence of the progression of the disease or the medication the patient takes for treatment. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for anyone suffering a health problem. For Parkinson’s patients, the importance is even greater, as excessive daytime sleepiness from sleep problems poses the additional risk of accidents. It can also compound the anxiety and depression that can come with Parkinson’s disease.

At Mulberry Park Silks, we think sleeping on a set of our pure silk sheets can help and the Davis Phinney Foundation For Parkinson's agrees, listing our sheets among the "Gear and Gadgets For the One You Love With Parkinson's."There are many benefits to sleeping on silk, which can make it easier to fall asleep and to sleep comfortably. While our silk sheets are not magic, we do believe a simple change to silk bedding can greatly improve the quality of life – and sleep – for a Parkinson’s patient.

Five Ways Silk Sheets Improve Sleep for People Living with Parkinson’s

Although Parkinson’s patients do not experience tremors in their sleep, they may have trouble getting comfortable and falling asleep at night due to pain and stiffness. This is a common problem among people affected by movement diseases. Parkinson’s patients may also struggle with circadian rhythm problems; the lower levels of dopamine in their brains mean that sleep/wake cycles can become disrupted. They also are susceptible to difficulty with REM sleep (including physically moving and acting out during the dream state); restless leg syndrome (RLS); and even sleep apnea.

Pure silk sheets are certainly not a cure for these issues, but they can absolutely help create a soothing, comfortable environment that helps promote sleep. Here’s how:

1. Silk is a friction-free fabric that allows for better freedom of movement

Our pure silk sheets are made in a charmeuse weave: soft, silky, and nearly friction free. This makes it easier to find a comfortable position for falling asleep and to return to a comfortable position after moving in the night due to a sleep disturbance like moving during dreams or moving to quiet restless leg syndrome. The low friction of silk sheets also makes it easier for caregivers to help move patients in bed if needed.

2. Silk is breathable, moisture wicking, and temperature regulating for comfort

Silk naturally wicks away moisture and keeps your temperature regulated no matter the season or conditions. If it is hot, silk keeps you cool; in colder weather, silk creates a layer of insulation to keep you warm. This means that silk sheets are the ideal sleeping environment for fostering quality sleep. Of course, silk sheets won’t cure a sleep disorder, but they do provide the best possible environment to cope with any type of sleep disturbance.

3. Mulberry Park Silks sheets are hypoallergenic and non-irritating

Our silk bed sheets are naturally hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and resistant to mold and dust mites. Additionally, all Mulberry Park Silks sheets and products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified as safe from harmful chemicals, toxins and irritants.

4. Mulberry Park Silks sheets are gentle on skin and hair

Along with being non-irritating, our silk sheets help keep hair and skin gently moisturized. One of the primary components of silk fiber is a protein known as fibroin, which is naturally hydrating and soothing. In contrast, regular cotton sheets can actually dry out skin and inflame conditions like eczema. Learn more about the differences between silk and cotton sheets here.

5. Mulberry Park Silks sheets are machine washable

This means our silk sheets can easily be cared for in your machine at home with minimal effort! We recommend using a detergent specially formulated for silk, such as Heritage Park Luxury Silk and Wool Detergent. Turn your pillowcases inside out and place your silk bedding in fine mesh laundry bags to protect them from damage inside the machine. Wash in cool water on a delicate or silk cycle, and hang your sheets to dry indoors or outside away from direct sunlight. If ironing is needed, use a cool iron and follow these instructions.

Other Movement Disorders and Silk Sheets

Other neurological conditions can also affect sleep. Many people struggle with restless leg syndrome even without an underlying disease like Parkinson’s or conditions such as periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD) which can also disrupt rest. Silk sheets may help increase comfort, mobility in bed, and ability to return to sleep after waking from these conditions as well.

Adapting Your Bedtime Routine for Better Sleep

Adequate and restful sleep is a part of good health whether or not you have Parkinson’s disease or another. There are a handful of things that researchers recommend to promote better sleep quality and restfulness. These include getting adequate exercise during the day; minimizing exposure to the blue light of screens, which reduces melatonin; and retiring to bed at a consistent hour every day. If you are being kept awake by breathing problems or sleep apnea, speak to your physician; he or she may send you for a sleep study to investigate furthe

Finding the Best Silk Sheets for You

At Mulberry Park Silks, we are proud to offer a full range of silk sheets and pillowcases in a variety of momme weights, colors, and price points. Our 19 momme silk is our lightest weight and most affordable option; it is ideal for anyone who is new to silk and looking to try it out. Our 22 momme silk bedding is our signature collection and our most popular weight weave. If you are looking for a heavier silk that is the ultimate in luxury, consider our indulgent 30 momme bedding. Whichever collection you choose, all Mulberry Park Silks products are made from the highest quality silk in the marketplace and provide the ultimate value. We use the helpful acronym "CHARMS" to explain why our silk is so wonderful:

We also welcome you to visit our Silk Buyer’s Guide and our informative silk blog to learn more about all the benefits of Mulberry Park Silks.