Managing Sleep Problems in Alzheimer’s Disease

0
Managing Sleep Problems in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease often affects a person’s sleeping habits. People with Alzheimer’s may experience the following sleep problems:

  • Sleeping a lot or not enough
  • Waking up many times during the night
  • Napping a lot during the day
  • Restlessness, agitation, irritability, and confusion as daylight begins to fade, known as sundowning

Here are some tips that may help caregivers ease sleep problems in people with Alzheimer’s: 

Getting a Good Night's Sleep infographic. Click to open infographic webpage

Read and share this infographic to get tips on how to get a good night’s sleep.
  • Help the person get exercise each day.
  • Limit naps and dozing late in the day.
  • Plan activities that use more energy early in the day. For example, try bathing in the morning or having the largest meal in the middle of the day.
  • Set a quiet, peaceful mood in the evening to help the person relax. Keep the lights low, try to reduce noise levels, and play soothing music if the person enjoys it.
  • Follow a regular schedule by going to sleep and getting up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when traveling.
  • Develop a relaxing bedtime routine with lowered lights, cool temperature, and no electronic screens.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
  • Use nightlights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom.
  • Getting help with sleep problems

    If sleep problems continue to be a challenge, talk with a health care provider. They may be able to identify possible causes and suggest solutions. For example, a person with Alzheimer’s may have a medical condition or take a medication that causes sleep problems. In other cases, Alzheimer’s itself may be causing changes to the brain that disrupt sleep. The health care provider may recommend medication or nonmedication strategies to help the person sleep well.

You may also be interested in

NIA Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center
800-438-4380
[email protected]
www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers
The NIA ADEAR Center offers information and free print publications about Alzheimer’s and related dementias for families, caregivers, and health professionals. ADEAR Center staff answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources.

Alzheimers.gov
www.alzheimers.gov
Explore the Alzheimers.gov website for information and resources on Alzheimer’s and related dementias from across the federal government.

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *