Dementia's Impact on Nightly Rest: An Exploration

Barreling Through Dementia-Related Sleep Disturbances

Struggling with sleep problems when caring for a loved one with dementia can test even the most resilient caregiver. Here's a brash guide on how to navigate the sleepless nights.

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Sleep disturbances are a common issue in dementia, making it a top reason for considering a move to a memory care facility. But fear not, we're here to lend a hand and pave the way to better shut-eye for both you and your loved one.

Dr. Lucille Carriere, a clinical health psychologist and caregiver whiz, teams up with Dr. Michelle Drerup, a renowned behavioral sleep medicine expert, to break down the link between dementia and sleep and offer practical solutions.

Dealing with Dementia-Fueled Sleep Problems

Those battling dementia often encounter various sorts of sleep troubles, such as:

Difficulty falling and staying asleep.
Sleeping too much during the day and being awake at night.
Struggling to distinguish between day and night.
Waking up confused, fearful, or anxious in the middle of the night.
Wandering during the night.

Stages of Dementia and Sleep

Sleep difficulties can vary depending on the individual, type of dementia, and disease stage. In advanced dementia, expect frequent night-time awakenings and excessive daytime snoozing, with poor sleep quality overall.

Why does dementia mess with sleep, you ask? Let's dive deeper.

Healthcare professionals aren't quite sure why dementia causes sleep troubles, but it's likely due to multiple factors:

Brain changes: Dementia can affect the part of the brain responsible for the internal clock. It may also trigger melatonin production, a hormone crucial for sleep regulation, to drop.
Behavioral changes: The behavioral symptoms of dementia, like Sundowning Syndrome, can interfere with sleep.
Sleep disorders: Common sleep disorders, such as Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, Restless Legs Syndrome, and Sleep Apnea, can occur alongside other dementia-related sleep problems.
Age-related factors: Aging might exacerbate sleep issues, with Insomnia and Sleep Apnea developing more frequently in seniors. Illness, pain, and medications can also impact sleep.

The Devastating Impact of Poor Sleep

Lack of sleep can wreak havoc on your mood, energy, and ability to perform routine tasks. It's also linked to several health conditions, including Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, High Blood Pressure, and Overweight/Obesity. For people with dementia, inadequate sleep can aggravate dementia-related behavioral, cognitive, and emotional symptoms, leaving caregivers more exhausted and grappling with reduced engagement with their loved ones.

But fear not! A restful snooze can be within reach for you and your cherished companion. Here's a smattering of tips to help cultivate a better sleep schedule:

Establish Routine Sleep and Wake Times: Embark on your snoozefest at the same time each day to maintain consistency and reduce day-night confusion.
Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine: Reduce stimulation before bed and in the sleep environment to make drifting off easier:
Employ calming activities like a soothing bath, massage, or gentle music.
Minimize stimulation by avoiding caffeine late in the day and shutting off devices an hour or so before bedtime.
Cultivate a quiet, relaxing bedroom. If noise reduction proves challenging, a white noise machine might help.
Limit Daytime Naps: While cutting out daytime napping altogether might not be possible, consider restricting nap length to avoid late-afternoon or evening naps, which can disrupt bedtime.
Promote Physical Activity: Encourage physical and social activities during the day to boost overall health and improve sleep.
Secure the Environment: For those prone to nighttime wandering, implement safety measures:
Provide reassurance and redirect attention to enjoyable activities if restless.
Address basic needs such as bathroom breaks and hydration before bedtime.
Stash away keys, coats, and hats to discourage aimless exploration.
Install door alarms and locks.
Secure exterior doors and utilize safety covers on doorknobs.
Revisit Medications: Certain medications can contribute to agitation or alertness in people with dementia. Consult your healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits of a sleep aid and determine if it's an appropriate option.

Remember, not all sleep aids are safe for individuals with dementia. Over-the-counter sleep aids, such as melatonin or nighttime pain relievers, may not be suitable. Medications received in the hospital should also be carefully reviewed for potential side effects.

The Plight of the Caregiver

Handling nighttime disruptions while providing daytime care is a Herculean task, especially in the long haul. Don't let it lead to burnout. Speak to your healthcare provider if you're not reaping quality sleep. Potential resources for your loved one might include:

Medical professionals like neurologists or gerontologists can manage sundowning, evaluate medications, and recommend behavioral strategies.
Clinical psychologists or sleep psychologists can help address specific behaviors and develop an action plan. Consult your provider for a referral or find a professional in your area via the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine or the Board of Behavioral Sleep Medicine.
Occupational therapists can aid in establishing daily routines, develop sleep hygiene recommendations, and help improve chances for better sleep.

Embrace Self-Care

As a caregiver, it's essential not to neglect yourself. Can someone pitch in during the evening or night so you can catch some z's? Taking care of yourself can boost your well-being and help your loved one reside at home longer, a goal cherished by many families.

Is Sleep the Culprit Behind Dementia?

While research suggests that Sleep Apnea and Sleep Deprivation may boost the risk of dementia, there's no concrete evidence that poor sleep directly causes dementia. Keep a broad perspective when evaluating dementia risk, as several factors endanger your brain health.

These tips can help minimize your risk of dementia:

Embrace Physical Activity
Limit Alcohol Intake
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Manage Chronic Conditions like Hypertension or Diabetes
Address and Treat Hearing Loss
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Seek Assistance for Depression

If worries about sleep start to gnaw at you, it might exacerbate the problem. Speak to a healthcare provider about strategies to improve your sleep, and don't delay seeking help.

Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining one's mental health and overall health-and-wellness, and can help reduce the devastating impact of dementia on both a person and their caregiver.
Environment plays a significant role in fostering sleep, with a calming, quiet bedroom being ideal for those struggling with dementia-related sleep problems.
Embracing a soothing bedtime routine that focuses on calming activities like baths, music, and avoiding stimulation can help promote a restful sleep in individuals with dementia.
In addition to pinpointing the root causes of dementia-related sleep issues, it's essential to address age-related factors like Insomnia and Sleep Apnea, common sleep disorders, and behavioral changes such as Sundowning Syndrome to improve sleep quality for those affected by dementia.