Purpose of review: This paper aims to explore the relationship between impulse-control disorders (ICDs) and sleep problems in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) among scientific literature.
Recent findings: Previously published results are controversial and sometimes inconclusive. ICDs and sleep disruption represent important non-motor features of Parkinson's disease, responsible for reducing quality of life and increasing burden of disease. The relationship between sleep problems and ICDs is complex and bidirectional. Indeed, sleep disturbances and fragmentation may play a crucial role in increasing susceptibility to impulsive behavior and may represent a risk factor for developing ICDs in PD patients. Moreover, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) have been indicated as independent risk factors for ICDs in PD patients. On the other hand, also ICDs may lead to sleep restriction and fragmentation, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. The association between sleep problems and ICDs in PD is far from being completely understood. Further studies are needed to confirm the nature of this relationship and its pathophysiology.
Keywords: Impulse control disorder; Parkinson’s disease; Rem behavior disorder; Sleep.