Sleep and dementia
Your loved one’s sleep patterns may have changed recently. Here’s some ways to improve their sleep habits…
You may have noticed changes to your loved one’s sleeping patterns since their dementia diagnosis. They may be restless at night and more tired during the day. Or you may be concerned that they are sleeping more of the time.
Sleep issues can be common in a person with dementia. According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep disturbance may affect up to 25 per cent of people with mild to moderate dementia.
Changes in the brain can cause sleep disturbances. Our circadian rhythm – our sleep-wake cycle and part of the body’s internal clock – can change in a person with dementia. Our body clock usually aligns with the day and night cycle, but it can be disrupted in a person with dementia. Your loved one may become confused about the difference between day and night, especially in the summer when it gets lighter earlier.
If they frequently wake at night, they may need to take naps during the day. As their dementia progresses, they will also tend to sleep more.
Why will they need more sleep in the later stages of dementia?
Some types of medication can affect a person’s sleep. Antipsychotics, antidepressants and antihistamines can contribute to sleepiness.
It’s also important to understand that a person with dementia will find typical everyday tasks like talking, eating or processing information tiring. This can mean they need more sleep, especially as their symptoms increase.
If your loved one is less active these days, they may need less sleep as they are burning less energy. Encouraging them to do more and be more active during the day may help them sleep at night.
Of course, good quality sleep is essential for all of us and is particularly important for a person with dementia, as lack of sleep can make the symptoms worse.
Managing sleep problems
Here are some things you can do to manage the situation…
• Encourage your loved one to avoid tea, coffee, alcohol, and stimulants in the evening. Try switching to decaffeinated tea, coffee, or chamomile tea.
• Try to get the person to be active during the day so that they’re burning off calories and feel tired by bedtime
• While the person may need a nap during the day, try to avoid them sleeping for too long
• Avoid TV shows that stimulate the brain too much right before bedtime. Action movies or intense dramas are not ideal
• At bedtime, make sure the person’s room is quiet, comfortable and dark
• Ensure their bedroom isn’t too hot or too cold and that their nightwear is comfortable
• Try to help the person stick to a regular routine of getting up and going to bed at the same time
• If your loved one wakes at night, leave a nightlight on and make sure they have an easy route to the bathroom
• If sleep problems persist, speak to the person’s GP about medication that may aid sleep