For your loved one with dementia, getting enough sleep can be a challenge. As we age, parts of the brain that control sleep may not work as well. Your loved one may:
Have difficulty getting to sleep.
Wake up several times during the night.
Sleep less deeply.
Sleep less overall.
Reasons for Poor Sleep may include:
· Melatonin: Dementia can affect the production of a sleep hormone in the brain called melatonin. This helps us feel sleepy when it gets darker in the evening. As dementia progresses, your loved one’s brain may make less melatonin, which makes it harder to fall asleep.
· Being active and bored: Your loved one with dementia may sleep for long periods during the day, reducing their physical, mental, or social activity.
· Being confused at night: When your loved one with dementia wakes up, they may feel anxious or confused and not know what time it is.
How to support your loved one with dementia to sleep better:
· Keep a routine: Having a routine during the day and at bedtime can help regulate your loved one’s body clock.
· Natural daylight: Going outside in the daytime, ideally in the morning, can also support your loved one's routine.
· Make the bedroom sleep-friendly: The bedroom environment can significantly affect your loved one’s ability to sleep properly. It should be kept quiet and as dark as possible and relatively cool, but not cold.
Sleep difficulties can be challenging, but by following these tips, you can help your loved one navigate bedtime with more easae.
