Alzheimer’s disease and sleep problems usually go hand in hand. Studies show that nearly 25% of individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s and 50% of people with advanced Alzheimer’s may experience sleep difficulties. It tends to worsen as the severity of dementia increases. Continue reading to gain a better understanding of sleep disorders in Alzheimer’s patients and how memory care homes in Terrytown, LA, can assist your loved one in developing a healthy sleep regimen.
Why Do Alzheimer’s Patients Have Trouble Sleeping?
Depending on the severity of the disease, the sleep pattern can shift from too little to too much sleep. Here are some of the reasons why Alzheimer’s patients find it difficult to sleep.
- Limited sun exposure
- Zero physical activity
- Nighttime fatigue and stress
- Chronic discomfort
- A disruptive sleep environment
- Side effects of medication
- Excessive coffee, sugar, or alcohol consumption
How to Get Alzheimer’s Patients to Sleep at Night?
Here are some suggestions for keeping people with Alzheimer’s in bed at night.
Create a Sleep Schedule
Limit midday naps and encourage your residents to sleep at the same time every night. Developing a soothing night time routine can also be beneficial. You can also encourage them to sleep before bedtime by dimming the lights, playing relaxing music, and using aromatherapy.
Promote Physical Activity
If you want to encourage Alzheimer’s patients to sleep at night, make sure they get enough exercise throughout the day. Physical activity exhausts the body and calms restless minds at night.
Examine Medications
Some Alzheimer’s medications include adverse effects that may not encourage restful sleep, so consult with your resident’s doctor about the right time to consume them. Don’t provide sleeping medicines to someone who has Alzheimer’s since sedatives or hypnotics might worsen confusion.
Encourage Hydration
It is critical that people with Alzheimer’s disease remain hydrated. Drinking little and often is the best way to stay hydrated without having to go to the bathroom all the time. It is recommended to urge them to drink enough fluids in the morning and afternoon to avoid midnight trips to the bathroom.
Avoid Physical Restraints
You may think using restraints will stop night time wandering. This may instead result in irritation and anger, leading to even more sleep disruptions. Instead, if you have a bed with protective rails, elevate them. This may discourage them from getting out of bed and roaming about.
Provide Proper Lighting
A calm environment is important to promote a peaceful night’s sleep. Using blackout curtains in the bedrooms at night is a wonderful way to block outside noise. Bright light treatments in the evening can help people with Alzheimer’s feel less restless and confused.
Install Bed Alarms and Night Lights
If your resident wakes up to stroll about in the middle of the night, nightlights in hallways and restrooms can help minimize night time disorientation or accidents. A bed alarm can also warn your team about overnight roaming, allowing them to be proactive in preventing falls or accidents.
Skip the Stimulants
Alcohol, coffee, and nicotine can all disrupt sleep. Limit your memory care residents’ intake of these substances, particularly during the night. Also, prevent them from watching TV during moments of waking up at night.
