Djavan says he sleeps and eats better after discovering a neurological disorder

After discovering a neurological disorder that causes essential tremor, singer Djavan, 74, reveals that he is now taking better care of his health, especially his sleep and his diet. This week, he gets ready for some shows in Rio de Janeiro.

“Today, sleeping well is one of the most important obligations I have in my routine. It’s at least seven hours a night. I believe that, if you sleep well, you establish an organization for your body that leads you to fulfill your commitments with energy”, he told Veja Rio.

“My food is also rigorously fat-free, without frying and organic. I need health to perform such a demanding job”, he added.

A tremor occurs with simple tasks such as tying shoelaces, writing, playing an instrument. It usually happens in the hands, but can be felt in the legs, larynx, voice, head, mouth and face. This condition has a name: essential tremor.

After rumors that Djavan would have Parkinson’s, due to a rumor that circulated on the internet, he revealed that he has the condition. Caetano Veloso had also received the same diagnosis.

According to the neurologist and coordinator of the Memory Center at the Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, Diogo Haddad, this movement disorder is a more common condition than people think, and is even more prevalent than Parkinson’s disease.

“It is a condition that causes fine tremor, usually in the hands. It is a tremor associated with movement, as opposed to Parkinson’s which is a resting tremor. It is that little tremor that when you are going to make a movement, it ends up showing itself and appearing more “, explains the doctor.