Sleep problems are common for a person living with dementia. If you\u2019re caring for someone with this condition, you\u2019ll know how difficult it can be to cope with sleep disturbances; both for yourself and for the person in your care. It\u2019s important to try to understand what can cause sleep problems for people living with dementia so that you can take steps to help the person that you are caring for with their sleep routine.<\/p>\n
The following information and tips may help you both get a better night’s sleep.<\/p>\n
While many older adults have difficulty with sleeping, people with dementia often find it even more difficult. In people with mild to moderate dementia, 25% are likely to experience sleep disturbance<\/a>. Sleep disturbances tend to get worse as dementia progresses, with 50% of people with severe dementia experiencing sleep disturbances<\/a>.<\/p>\n
The most common sleep problems for people living with dementia include:<\/p>\n
People living with dementia often also experience what is often referred to as \u2018sundowning\u2019 during the evening or at night. Sundowning is the term often used for when a person with dementia becomes more confused, restless or agitated later in the afternoon or in the early evening<\/a>. They may become more demanding, upset or suspicious and can sometimes even see or hear things that aren\u2019t real, particularly at night.<\/p>\n
Sleep apnea is also relatively common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Sleep apnea causes breathing to start and stop repeatedly during sleep, and is one of the more serious sleep disorders<\/a>.<\/p>\n
In order to avoid sleep disturbances taking a toll on both the caregiver and the person living with dementia, the following tips may help:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s important that carers also focus on their own sleep, because if you are tired, you will likely have less patience and less energy to care for a person with dementia. The person in your care may also pick up on your stress and become agitated. Try to ask other family members or close friends to take on some nights to care for the person with dementia. Or, if this is not possible, talk to a health professional or social worker to find out what help is available in your area. Just as applying Compassionate Touch techniques can soothe and calm the person with dementia, they can also soothe the carer as they apply them.<\/p>\n
We hope that this article has provided some useful insight into common sleep problems with dementia. If you\u2019re caring for someone with dementia and would like to know more about Compassionate Touch\u00ae<\/a>, contact Brain Sparks<\/a> to see where you can learn them.<\/p>\n