Alzheimer’s: Managing sleep problems
Sleep disturbances can be very taxing on both of you if you are providing care for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s. Here are some tips for encouraging restful sleep.
Alzheimer’s disease and sleep issues frequently coexist. Learn what causes sleep issues in individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or other dementias, as well as what you can do to support them.
Common sleep problems related to dementia:
While many older adults have trouble falling asleep, those who have dementia frequently struggle more. Up to 25% of persons with mild to moderate dementia and 50% of those with severe dementia may experience sleep disturbances. The severity of sleep disturbances increases with dementia progression. Oversleeping during the day and insomnia, or trouble falling and staying asleep, are examples of potential sleep issues. Both early morning awakenings and frequent nighttime awakenings are typical. Sundowning is a phenomenon that people with dementia may also encounter in the evening or at night. They could experience confusion, agitation, anxiety, and aggression. In this kind of state of mind, night wandering can be dangerous. Alzheimer’s patients also have an increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Sleeping with this potentially dangerous sleep disorder results in frequent stops and starts in breathing.
A need for less sleep, which is common among older adults, mental and physical exhaustion at the end of the day, changes in the body clock, disorientation, decreased lighting, and increased shadows, which can make people with dementia feel scared and confused, are some factors that may lead to sleep disturbances and sundowning.
Supporting a good night’s sleep:
Sleep disturbances can harm the dementia patient as well as you. To encourage improved sleep: Address underlying issues. Sleep issues can occasionally be brought on by illnesses like depression, sleep apnea, or restless legs syndrome. Make a schedule. Keep your eating, sleeping, and waking hours consistent. Steer clear of stimulants. Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can all disrupt your sleep. Use of these drugs should be restricted, particularly at night.
Additionally, avoid watching TV at night when you are awake. Promote exercise. Walking and other physical activity can help you get a better night’s sleep. Minimize sleep during the day. Prevent taking afternoon naps. Create a calm atmosphere in the evening. Read aloud to the person or play calming music to aid in their relaxation. A well-cooled bedroom can aid in the dementia patient’s quality of sleep. Control your drug intake.
Insomnia may result from taking certain antidepressants, including venlafaxine and bupropion. While cholinesterase inhibitors, like donepezil, can help with behavioral and cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer’s patients, they can also make them sleep-deprived. Speak with the doctor if the dementia patient is taking these kinds of drugs. It’s usually beneficial to take the medication no later than dinner. Think about melatonin. Melatonin may lessen sundowning and promote better sleep in dementia patients. Give enough light. People with dementia may have fewer disruptions in their sleep-wake cycles when receiving bright light therapy in the evening. Enough illumination at night.
Remain composed if the dementia sufferer wakes up in the middle of the night, despite your own exhaustion. Avoid arguing. Ask the person what they need instead. Anxiety or pain at night may be the source of agitation. Try to identify the cause of the issue, whether it’s constipation, a full bladder, or an uncomfortable temperature in the room. Remind him or her gently that it’s time to go to bed since it’s nighttime. Don’t hold the person back if they need to pace. Rather, let it happen under your watchful eye.
The doctor may suggest sleep aids if non-pharmacological methods aren’t producing the desired results. However, older people who are cognitively impaired are more likely to fall and become confused when taking sleep-inducing medications. Therefore, it is usually not advised to use sedative sleep aids for this group. If the doctor prescribes these drugs, he or she will probably advise trying to stop taking them as soon as a regular sleep schedule is established.
You may not have the patience and energy necessary to care for someone who has dementia if you’re not getting enough sleep. Additionally, the person may sense your stress and grow agitated. Try to arrange for friends or family to stay with you on alternate nights. Alternatively, to find out what support is offered in your area, speak with a local Alzheimer’s Association representative, a social worker, or a doctor.
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