How can I help myself?

The general rule is to keep as mentally and physically active as possible. The following suggestions may be helpful:

plan your most vigorous activities around when your medication is most effective
learn how to pace yourself, taking regular short rests and periods in which to relax throughout the day. This will ensure the best use of energy and will reduce the risk of fatigue
when tasks are complicated or likely to take time, break them down into smaller stages so that you can rest between each stage
if possible, ask a specialist occupational therapist or physiotherapist with experience in managing fatigue to help plan a regime that suits you
recognise your limitations, identify the priorities of the day and get to know your energy reserves
plan your major activities in advance and ensure that you have time for recovery afterwards. For instance, if you have a big social function such as a wedding, recognise in advance that you will be very tired for a few days after. The best thing is to rest more in the days leading up to the event and also plan to have a few restful days afterwards
keep to strict sleep hygiene principles, i.e. regular bedtime, regular hours of sleep and avoid day-time napping. If you must nap, try to keep it under an hour
incorporate time for relaxation into your daily routine. There is no doubt that stress and anxiety have a major adverse effect on fatigue, and fatigue will not improve if you remain under stress. Formal relaxation training can help, as may activities such as yoga, aromatherapy, light massage, long baths, light reading, relaxation tapes etc.
caffeine and tobacco are stimulants and should be avoided in the evenings, as they can interfere with sleep. It is recommended that those with Parkinson’s avoid alcohol excess, but social amounts of alcohol are a relaxant
a regular, healthy diet is essential to maintain normal energy levels. If you are worried or need advice about your diet, ask your doctor if he can refer you to a nutritionist or dietician
try to exercise regularly and make it part of your daily or weekly routine
maintain as many of your interests as possible – this helps with morale and wellbeing, which can help with alleviating fatigue.

Did you know?

The phrase "sleep tight" as in “night, night, sleep tight” originates from when mattresses were sat on ropes woven through the bed frame. To cure sagging ropes, a bed key was used to tighten the ropes and keep them tight.

My husband, diagnosed earlier this year, gets tired easily. Should I encourage him to rest as much as possible?

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