Dr. Holly Bardutz, a research associate at the University of Regina, and her team explored the connection between sleep, exercise, and Parkinson’s disease in an innovative pilot study. Inspired by insights from the Gerontological Society of America conference, the research examines how an online exercise program affects sleep quality, heart function, and reaction times in individuals with Parkinson's disease.

The study utilizes advanced tools like actigraphy for sleep monitoring, a cardiac sensor to assess heart health, and reaction-time tasks to evaluate cognitive responses. Preliminary findings suggest that exercise may positively influence sleep and overall physiological health in Parkinson’s populations.

The team aims to expand this research to include Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions, offering a broader understanding of the long-term relationship between sleep, exercise, and neurological health.