If your loved one has dementia, he or she may have difficulty sleeping at night. They might be prone to wandering around the house while you or your family members are asleep, and this can cause concern for many reasons. Your loved one may be putting themselves at risk for a fall or another injury (such as coming into contact with sharp or breakable objects), and he or she may even be at risk for leaving your home.
Seniors with dementia are prone to insomnia, and their lack of sleep (and the dangers that come with wandering while unattended) can cause you, as a caregiver, or your family members to miss out on important hours of sleep as well. It is crucial for caregivers to stay well-rested to avoid jeopardizing their own health or compromising their ability to provide proper care.
What are some of the causes of sleeplessness in dementia individuals?
- Seniors with dementia may experience sleeplessness for a number of reasons. A prominent reason is that many people who have dementia cannot distinguish between night and day, and therefore lose the ability to associate the evening with a time for rest.
- Certain medications, such as tranquilizers, may cause restlessness in dementia individuals. If a tranquilizer dosage is too low, the result can be a half-asleep state that will make your loved one more prone to wandering. Furthermore, if a tranquilizer dosage is too high and given during the day, the medication can increase daytime confusion and cause your loved one to fall asleep during the day.
- A lack of activity during the day can cause restlessness at night due to pent up energy. If your loved one lives a sedentary lifestyle and does not exercise or find other ways to exert energy, then he or she may have more difficulty sleeping at night.
- Discomfort is another reason your loved one may be having trouble sleeping. It is important to make sure your loved one is comfortable when it is time for bed, especially if he or she has advanced dementia and difficult communicating wants and needs. If your loved one is in a room that is too hot or too cold, or finds their bed uncomfortable, he or she will be more susceptible to restlessness.
How can I help prevent restlessness for my loved one?
- The number one way to help prevent restlessness for your loved one is to be sure that he or she is receiving proper mental and physical stimulation during the day. Exercising, socialization and cognitive activities are all very beneficial for individuals with dementia, and can help reduce insomnia later on at night. Adult day care programs are a key solution to help ensure your loved one remains active.
- Keep in mind that your loved one may not be able to distinguish between day and night, and that they may need to be reminded that it is time to sleep. Make sure the room is dark at night (consider putting up heavy curtains) and avoid leaving out clothing your loved one would normally wear during the day.
- Develop an evening routine for your loved one to associate with winding down for the day. Gently remind your loved one that it is time to go to bed, give a backrub, listen to soft music, or offer them a cup of herbal tea.
- Reduce daytime napping, which usually occurs when your loved one is bored or inactive. Avoid serving drinks that have caffeine at night (such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate).
- Create a safe environment. If your home has a flight of stairs or another layout that could cause a potential fall or injury, consider installing safety gates in doorways to rooms that need to be off-limits to your loved one. Prevent access to the kitchen or other rooms with sharp and/or breakable objects to reduce the likelihood of an injury.
- Make sure your loved one’s bedroom and mattress are comfortable. Check ensure that the room is not too hot or too cold and that their bed is clean and made well. If your loved one prefers to sleep with the window closed or open, or if they prefer to have a nightlight on in their room, be sure that these elements are to their liking.
- If your loved one is hungry, he or she may have difficulty sleeping. Consider serving a light snack before bed or warm milk.
- Make sure all doors leading outdoors are locked at night. Try to limit access to certain rooms by locking doors. Leave a light on in the bathroom and/or “safe” rooms (such as a living room) if you feel comfortable allowing your loved one into these areas without your supervision.
- Consider buying monitors that alert you when your loved one gets out of bed or leaves their room at night.
Have you considered daycare for your mom or dad?
Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care Center is a place where your loved one can go to during the day. We are the only center in Ventura County with a specialized Memory Care Unit. If your loved one has dementia and is prone to wandering, he or she will be safe and secure in our Memory Care Unit. Oxnard Family Circle also provides opportunities for socialization, memory enhancing activities and physical exercise that will contribute to your loved one experiencing both a fulfilling day and restful night. We provide transportation to and from our center every day. If you are experiencing stress because of caregiving and would like to join a support group, Oxnard Family Circle offers caregiver support groups twice a month. Getting adequate sleep is crucial for you and your loved one, and will help keep you and your family in optimal health.
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