Everyone knows how crucial a good night’s sleep is to our overall health, but the correlation between dementia and sleep is more intricate than we once thought. For seniors, especially those with dementia, sleep patterns can significantly impact their well-being, or even the progression of their memory loss.
Sleep forms an essential part of our daily routine. It rejuvenates the body, sharpens the mind, and prepares us for the challenges of a new day. However, when dementia enters the equation, the sleep-wake cycle can become disrupted, leading to an array of sleeping disorders.
Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or someone living with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia, Known Memory Care can help you understand the relationship between sleeping and dementia.
Questions About Dementia Sleep Patterns
You might find yourself asking the following questions about resting patterns with dementia:
- Do naps cause dementia?
- Do seniors with dementia sleep often?
- Why don’t dementia patients sleep at night?
- Is excessive sleeping a sign of dementia progression?
All are valid concerns, given the increased risk associated with cognitive decline in the elderly population. Those questions highlight the common confusion about the altered sleeping patterns experienced by persons with dementia.
Making sure a loved one with dementia gets the rest they need starts by making sure the caregiver gets regular sleep.
People With Dementia Get Better Sleep When Caregivers Are Rested
Caring for someone with dementia is hard work. It takes a lot of energy, both physically and emotionally. If caregivers don’t get enough rest, they can feel exhausted during the day. This is something people call caregiver burnout. It happens when you care for someone else so much that you forget to care for yourself.
Getting good sleep is important. It helps you stay healthy and have the energy to care for your loved one. Here are five steps to help caregivers get better sleep:
- Set a bedtime routine: Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Do things that help you relax before bed, like reading or listening to calm music.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment: Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, and not too hot or cold.
- Stay active: Doing physical activity during the day can help you sleep better at night.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime. They can make it harder to fall asleep.
- Ask for help: Don’t try to do everything by yourself. Ask family members or friends to help with caregiving tasks. Create shifts with others so you know certain days are for your rest and rejuvenation.
Caregivers need to remember that taking care of themselves is not selfish. It’s necessary. When you’re well-rested, you’re in a better position to provide the best care for your loved one with dementia.
Adjusting your sleep patterns to ensure you get the rest you need is crucial in preventing burnout and staying strong for the person you care for daily.
Do Naps Cause Dementia?
When it comes to the question of napping and dementia, recent studies indicate that excessive daytime napping could potentially signal an elevated risk of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia*.
Studies published by Harvard University and the National Library of Medicine found that older adults who nap excessively during the day may be at a higher risk for Alzheimer’s. Moreover, research from the Cleveland Clinic discovered that seniors who regularly nap for more than an hour each day had a 40 percent higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
That doesn’t mean that napping causes dementia; it infers that excessive napping could be a sign of future memory loss. So, should you be worried if you enjoy a daily siesta? Not necessarily. Napping, especially short power naps, can be beneficial for some people. However, if you or a loved one is experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness or unusually long napping, it might be worth discussing that with a health care provider.
While these findings may seem alarming, it’s important to remember that they are part of a complex picture. The link between sleep and dementia is not fully understood, and more research is needed. It is helpful to examine the sleeping patterns common in people with Alzheimer’s.
Understanding Dementia Sleep Patterns: Do seniors with dementia sleep often?
Dementia fundamentally alters sleep patterns, often causing a significant shift in the sleep-wake cycle. So, when asked, “Do seniors with dementia sleep often?” the answer isn’t that straightforward.
According to research by the National Institutes of Health, people with dementia tend to experience fragmented or disrupted sleep. These individuals may find it difficult to stay asleep at night. That can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness. It might seem like they’re sleeping often, but the quality of their sleep is typically poor. That can exacerbate symptoms of cognitive decline.
Sundowner’s syndrome is a common cause of disrupted sleep in people with dementia. That is characterized by increased confusion and agitation beginning late in the afternoon and extending into the night. Sundowning can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.
Other factors that can impact the sleep of a person with dementia include:
- Physical discomfort
- Medication side effects
- Lack of physical activity during the day
- Changes in the brain due to dementia
- Poor nutrition
- Boredom
- Depression, anxiety, and loneliness
These sleep disturbances can be challenging for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. You might feel overwhelmed trying to manage a loved one’s erratic sleep patterns while ensuring that they get the rest they need.
If you’re grappling with such issues, remember you’re not alone. Communities like Known Memory Care in Tulsa, OK are here to help.
Why Dementia Patients Don’t Sleep Well
Understanding why dementia patients don’t sleep, especially in more clinical facility-type settings, is vital. The causes can be multifaceted, ranging from Alzheimer’s and dementia progression to environmental factors like low lighting and shadows. Traditional care environments like nursing homes may not fully address those issues, leading to disrupted sleep and faster memory loss progression.
Sleeping Medications
Doctors sometimes prescribe sleeping medications for dementia patients. It’s essential to use them carefully. These medicines can have side effects. For example, they might make a person feel drowsy, prone to falls, or even more confused during the day. When a patient’s sleep patterns start to improve, it might be time to talk to the doctor about stopping the medication. Always follow the doctor’s advice on using these drugs.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is when someone stops breathing for short periods during sleep. It can be very worrying when it happens to a person with dementia. Why? Because their brain is already under stress from dementia.
Sleep apnea can make this stress worse. The person might wake up feeling scared or upset. This condition needs medical attention. A doctor can suggest ways to help someone overcome this distress.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Imagine feeling like you always need to move your legs, even when you’re trying to rest. This is what restless leg syndrome (RLS) is like.
For someone with dementia, it adds frustration to their life. They might find it hard to explain what’s wrong. Or they might get up and walk around to ease the feeling in their legs, which can disrupt their sleep and lead to wandering. Managing RLS often involves lifestyle changes or medication, as a health care provider advises.
Here is where memory care communities like Known Memory Care can help. These communities are designed to provide a more home-like environment to improve overall well-being, including sleep quality.
How Known Memory Care Helps Residents
Our community is designed with dementia care in mind. These unique features set us apart from other memory care communities in Tulsa:
- Comfortable, secure apartments: Our floor plans promote security and ease of navigation for our residents. Each apartment provides a calm, soothing environment conducive to better sleep.
- Tailored programming: We offer a variety of programs throughout the day to keep residents engaged and active. This routine helps regulate residents’ sleep-wake cycles.
- Specialized team members: Our team has training in managing sleep disturbances and redirection. They work round-the-clock to meet residents’ needs, contributing to improved sleep quality.
- Soothing environment: We understand the importance of a peaceful environment for sleep. Our community is designed to minimize noise and light disruptions.
- Individualized care plans: Each resident is unique, so our care plans are tailored to meet individual needs, with strategies to manage sleep problems.
While we cannot cure dementia, our compassionate caregivers strive to provide an environment that mitigates its effects, including sleep disturbances. We work tirelessly to ensure our residents feel secure and comfortable, providing them with the best opportunities for restful sleep.
Living with dementia or caring for someone who does can be challenging, but with the proper support and resources, it’s possible to navigate this journey with dignity and grace.
Be Known with Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Tulsa, OK
Now that you know more about the relationship between dementia and sleep, continue learning about memory care near you. Contact us to arrange a tour.
*This article should not replace medical advice. Talk with your doctor regarding any issues you may experience, especially if you suspect memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s.
