Treatments for Sleep Changes
Individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease frequently struggle to fall asleep or may notice alterations in their sleep routine. Researchers are still unsure of the exact cause of these sleep disruptions. Similar to modifications in behavior and memory, sleep abnormalities are inextricably linked to the brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. It is always best to try non-drug coping mechanisms first when handling sleep changes.
Common sleep changes
Sleep patterns are altered in a large number of Alzheimer’s patients. The reason why this occurs is not fully understood by scientists. Similar to alterations in behavior and memory, sleep abnormalities are inextricably linked to the brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep disturbances are also common in older adults without dementia, but they tend to be more severe and occur more frequently in those with Alzheimer’s. While some studies have found sleep abnormalities in the early stages of the disease, there is evidence that they are more common in later stages.
Sleep changes in Alzheimer’s may include: the inability to sleep. Many who have Alzheimer’s disease wake up more frequently and remain awake through the night more often. Reduces in dreaming and non-dreaming stages of sleep are observed in brain wave studies. People with trouble falling asleep may wander, be unable to stay still, or scream or call out, which can keep their carers awake. naps during the day and other changes to the sleep-wake cycle. People may experience extreme daytime sleepiness followed by difficulty falling asleep at night. In the late afternoon or early evening, they might become agitated or restless, a phenomenon known as “sundowning.”.
According to expert estimates, people with advanced Alzheimer’s disease sleep a large portion of the day and spend approximately 40% of the night awake in bed. Extreme situations may cause a person’s typical pattern of daytime wakefulness and nighttime sleep to completely reverse.
Contributing medical factors
A comprehensive medical examination should be performed on anyone having trouble sleeping to rule out any curable conditions that might be causing the issue. Depression, restless legs syndrome, which causes unpleasant “crawling” or “tingling” sensations in the legs and an overwhelming urge to move them, and sleep apnea, which is an abnormal breathing pattern in which people briefly stop breathing many times a night, leading to poor sleep quality, are a few conditions that can exacerbate sleep problems. Treatment options for sleep disorders primarily caused by Alzheimer’s disease include both non-drug and drug approaches.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the majority of experts strongly advise against using medication in favor of non-drug measures. Research has indicated that the general quality of older adults’ sleep is not enhanced by sleep medications. The risks of using sleep aids include an increased risk of falls and other problems that might offset any therapeutic advantages.
Non-drug treatments for sleep changes
Non-pharmacological therapies seek to lessen midday naps and enhance sleep hygiene and routine. It is always advisable to try non-drug coping strategies before taking medication because some sleep aids have serious side effects. Maintaining regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and wake-up times, seeking morning sunlight exposure, and regularly scheduled exercise, but no later than four hours before bedtime, avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, treating any pain, making sure the bedroom temperature is comfortable, providing nightlights and security objects, discouraging the person from staying in bed while awake, and encouraging them to use the bed only for sleep, are all important ways to create a welcoming sleeping environment and promote rest for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.
Medications for sleep changes
Sometimes non-drug treatments don’t work as planned, or the sleep disruptions are accompanied by unruly behavior at night. Experts advise that treatment for those who do need medication “begin low and go slow.”. Using sleep aids when an older person has cognitive impairment carries a significant risk. These include a heightened risk of fractures and falls, disorientation, and a deterioration in self-care skills. When a regular sleep pattern has been established, an attempt should be made to stop using sleep medications.
The kinds of behaviors that may accompany sleep changes can have a significant impact on the type of medication that a doctor prescribes. Using an antipsychotic medication should only be decided very carefully. Studies have indicated that these medications raise the risk of stroke and death in elderly dementia patients. The U.S. S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that manufacturers label these medications with a disclaimer that states they are not authorized to treat symptoms of dementia and a “black box” warning about potential risks.
Reference:
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