What generally causes sleep problems in a person with dementia?
Physical changes in the brain caused by dementia can lead to sleep problems. Our bodies tend to sleep in cycles from light sleep to deep sleep and then dream sleep (also called Rapid Eye or REM sleep). People with dementia spend less time in deep sleep and this tends to get worse as the dementia progresses.
Another reason for sleep disturbances can be a reduction in the sleep hormone, melatonin, which is produced by the brain and helps us sleep.
Other more specific causes of sleep problems include being in pain or the possible side effects of medication.
A person with dementia can also find normal daily tasks that most of us take for granted tiring, meaning they may need more sleep during the day. Processing information, formulating words and absorbing what is being said in a conversation can be exhausting for a person with dementia.
Confusion between night and day
Confusion at night-time can occur more frequently in the summer. The part of our brain that serves as our internal clock and responds to cues, such as light, can be impaired in a person with dementia.
As their dementia progresses, the person may confuse 5am with 5pm for instance, in the summer when it gets light earlier.
Poor nutrition can also affect the person’s general energy levels, making them need to sleep more than usual. Try to limit or reduce the amount of sugary snacks they have later in the day, which can stimulate them, and keep caffeine limited if possible. Offer the person herbal tea or a warm milky drink before bedtime, rather than hot caffeinated drinks.
There are some other ways you can combat poor sleeping habits by making some simple lifestyle changes.
During the day, encourage the person to have a walk or do some other form of activity if they can. If the person is unable to exercise or not mobile, encourage them to spend some time in natural daylight. This has been known to help with sleep.
If the person doesn’t want to go outside, even arranging for them to sit next to an open window or doorway may help.
Although the person may want a daytime nap, try not to ensure they don’t sleep for too long, as this may make it more difficult for them to sleep at night. Try to keep naps limited to an hour.
Develop a bedtime routine for the person with dementia. Dementia UK recommends turning the TV off an hour before bed and getting the person to put away mobile phones or other digital devices if they use them.
Make sure the person’s bedroom temperature is comfortable and not too hot and not too cold. Ensure they are wearing comfortable nightwear.
If the person tends to wander at night, leave a hallway light on and leave the bathroom door open so that they can easily find their way to the toilet.
However, if the person has been sleeping more than usual and this has been a recent change, it’s important for them to seek medical advice as there could be a health issue such as an infection causing the change.
Resources:
The Sleep Foundation has some useful advice:
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/dementia-and-sleep
Dementia UK has a free downloadable guide on dementia and sleep:
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/dementia-and-sleep/
For more information on sleep and dementia, visit: https://dementiahelpuk.com/sleep-and-dementia/