Melanopsin Cell Dysfunction is Involved in Sleep Disruption in Parkinson’s Disease

Melanopsin-mediated post-illumination pupil response amplitudes were significantly reduced in Parkinson's disease, with a p-value of < 0.0001.

• Reduced melanopsin response is associated with poorer sleep quality, with a correlation coefficient of r2 = 33 (p < 0.001).
• Nerve fiber layer thinning in the retina correlates significantly with reduced melanopsin response (r2 = 0.40; p < 0.001).
• Individuals with Parkinson's disease report significantly poorer sleep quality, indicated by higher subjective sleep scores (p < 0.05).
• Earlier melatonin onset is observed in people with Parkinson's disease compared to age-matched controls (p = 0.01).
• No significant differences in pupil light response, daily light exposure, or outer retinal thickness were found between the groups (p > 0.05).

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