HAving handrails on both sides of the bed allows me to reach out and grab hold of something that will then allow me to shift my body weight so that I can get out of awkward positions that I find myself in, such as trying to get an arm out from under my body in an attempt t turn over or rise. The alternative is to just take what sleep you can get while on your back all night, practically immobile.. I take sinemet at night and find that a low dose does not interfere with sleep, but helps to keep me moving.