Dementia and Sleep: Don't let Dementia Rob Your Loved One of a Good Night’s Rest
As loved one's age, it is normal for them to experience changes in their sleep patterns. However, if your family member has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease or another related dementia, they may have an even more difficult time sleeping than usual.
Approximately 25% of those with mild to moderate dementia and 50% of those with severe Alzheimer's disease or other related dementias experience sleep disturbances. It is important to understand the impact these disturbances can have on your loved one’s overall health and well-being.
How Does Dementia Affect Sleep
Melatonin plays a role in sleep-wake cycles, and is essential for restful nights. But as dementia progresses, the brain starts to produce less of this vital hormone - leaving those affected unable to switch off at night, making falling asleep increasingly difficult.
Dementia and Sleep Deprivation
Why is a Good Night's Sleep Important?
A regular sleep pattern is important for maintaining overall physical and mental health and well-being. It helps to relax the body and mind, restore energy levels, improve concentration, reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure levels, boost immunity, and prevent disease.
A regular sleep pattern is important for maintaining overall physical and mental health and well-being.
Additionally, positive sleep patterns can help provide clarity of thought which may aid in decision-making. A lack of quality sleep can lead to a weakened immune system or an increased risk of various health issues such as depression or cardiovascular disease. Therefore, getting a good night's sleep is essential for overall physical and emotional health. Maintaining positive sleep patterns is especially important for those living with dementia as it is linked to improved cognition, reduced stress and better general health.
Poor sleep habits can increase the risk of developing dementia or accelerate the progression of existing dementia. Poor sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and being awake at night, can worsen cognitive symptoms associated with dementia. Furthermore, research has suggested that poor sleep can lead to an increase in amyloid plaques, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Your loved one’s changing sleep patterns may make it difficult for you to get adequate sleep through the night. Have additional respite support through the night may help improve your sleep as a caregiver.
How Much is Enough Sleep?
A normal sleep duration for adults is typically 7-9 hours per night.
The amount of sleep an individual requires is highly individualized, but most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night in order to be fully rested. Short sleep duration which includes anything below 6 hours per night is considered sleep deprivation which can have a serious impact on mental health factors.
People with dementia may require more or less sleep, depending on the stage and progression of their condition. But in general, aiming for a minimum of 7 hours of sleep a night is a reasonable target.
8 Reasons People Living with Dementia May Suffer from Sleep Disturbances
Anxiety, Medication and Environmental Factors all play a role in sleep quality.
Anxiety
People with dementia often struggle with anxiety due to the cognitive changes they experience. This can lead to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep at night.
Someone with dementia may become anxious and stay awake at night if they have difficulty recognizing familiar people or places. If a person with dementia finds themselves in a strange place, such as a different room of their home, they may become fearful and unable to relax until they recognize their surroundings. Even something as simple as moving furniture around in a room or changing the artwork can cause someone with dementia to feel uncomfortable and not recognize their surroundings.
Medication Side-Effects
Some medications used to treat the symptoms of dementia can have a sedative effect, which can interfere with normal sleep patterns and cycles.
A medication side effect that might cause someone with dementia to have a hard time sleeping is dry mouth caused by antihistamines. When someone with dementia has dry-mouth, they may experience a heightened sense of thirst and difficulty swallowing which can lead to difficulty falling asleep or waking during the night.
Are you worried about ensuring your loved one is staying hydrated? Download our free resource for tips on staying hydrated.
Disrupted Circadian Rhythm
People with dementia often experience a disruption in their natural sleep-wake cycle, which can lead to difficulty sleeping at night and increased confusion or emotional distress during the day.
This is especially true in the spring and fall when the time changes. People with dementia may find it especially difficult to adjust to the change in time and may struggle with their sleep schedule for several weeks after.
Stress
Increased levels of stress can make it harder for someone with dementia to relax and fall asleep.
Some examples of things that might cause stress for someone living with dementia include changes in their routine, changes in the environment, or a feeling of being overwhelmed by activities.
Pain
Chronic pain can make it more difficult for someone with dementia to sleep at night. People living with dementia may be experiencing joint pain, muscle aches and pains due to age-related issues, or they may be having difficulty managing the pain associated with conditions such as arthritis.
When someone living with dementia wakes from pain, they may mistake the feeling with having to go to the washroom and try to get out of bed to relieve themselves creating a greater risk of trips and falls.
Environmental Factors
Noise, bright lights, and other environmental factors can also interfere with someone’s sleep if they have difficulty filtering out distractions. People living with dementia may be more sensitive to noises or light that a person without dementia might not even notice.
External factors such as noise, light, temperature, or an uncomfortable bed can disrupt someone's natural sleep patterns and cycles. It’s important to make the bedroom as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Factors such as changing seasons or even the weather can affect dementia sleep.
Poor Diet
Eating a diet that is high in processed foods and lacking in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants may contribute to sleep disturbances. Eating foods that are high in sugar, caffine or fat can also cause difficulty in sleeping.
Sometimes people with dementia may have difficulty recognizing the food they are eating and may not get enough of the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
It’s important to provide a balanced diet full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to help ensure proper nutrition (and proper sleep).
Lack of Physical Activity
Regular physical activity helps the body reach a state of relaxation which is necessary for quality sleep. Without regular physical activity, it can be more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
People with dementia may experience a lack of physical activity due to confusion, mobility issues or the side effects of medications, which can lead to decreased strength and endurance.
Effects of Changes to Sleep Patterns for People Living with Dementia
Sleep disturbance can have serious implications for people with dementia such as an increased risk for falls and a greater vulnerability to stressors like changes in routine or environment. If you are worried about falls for your loved one, check out our top tips on dementia safety at home.
In addition, lack of sleep can lead to fatigue which can cause confusion and irritability in someone with dementia. Furthermore, poor sleep quality is linked to functional decline over time; difficulty doing everyday activities like dressing oneself or eating meals independently could be exacerbated by inadequate restorative sleep.
Thus, it is imperative that family caregivers look out for signs of disturbed sleep in their loved ones living with dementia and take steps toward helping them experience better sleep along with any other issues that may arise.
Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue which can cause confusion and irritability in someone with dementia.
Is Sleep Apnea Caused by Alzheimer's Disease?
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep. Sleep apnea may be caused by changes to the airway due to physical issues such as enlarged tonsils or tongue (obstructive sleep apnea), obesity, or neurological deficits. It can also be caused by medications like sedatives and muscle relaxants.
Sleep apnea can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of falls. It is important to ensure your loved one gets enough sleep regularly.
According to the European Sleep Research Society, Sleep apnea is associated with a significantly increased risk of dementia, particularly for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, but not for vascular dementia. This means it is important to monitor if your loved one with dementia is having difficulty sleeping due to a medical issue or as a result of sleep apnea. Your physician can assist you with this diagnosis.
Sleep Apnea can lead to symptoms which mimic dementia including confusion, irritability and an increased risk of falls.
It can be difficult to diagnose sleep apnea as the symptoms can often be confused with dementia symptoms. Speak to your doctor if you believe your loved one may be experiencing this risk factor.
Tips For Improving Sleep Quality and Adjusting Sleep Patterns
Family caregivers should work with their loved one’s healthcare team to find solutions that meet their needs best; however, there are many things you can do at home that might help your loved one experience better sleep:
Create a comfortable sleeping environment by keeping the room dark, cool (preferably between 65-72 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 to 21 degrees Celcius) and quiet; use blackout curtains where possible;
Establish a regular bedtime routine; this could involve taking a warm bath before bed or reading quietly together;
Ensure your loved one has a good sleep hygiene routine;
Provide snacks before bedtime but avoid caffeine later in the day; this may be especially important if your relative experiences sundowning symptoms later in the afternoon/evening;
Make sure medications are being taken appropriately as some medications can contribute to sleep problems such as too much sedation or not enough sedation when needed;
Consider using aromatherapy products such as lavender oil which may help promote relaxation and improve sleep;
Ensure that any underlying medical conditions are addressed promptly; and
Seek advice from professionals if necessary including doctors, nurses, and dementia care practitioners who specialize in caring for older adults.
Follow these tips and both you and your loved one with dementia will be having sweet dreams.
Does Sleep Deprivation Increase Dementia Risk?
While sleep deprivation may not directly cause dementia, it has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's Disease. Studies have shown that lack of sleep can raise levels of beta-amyloid protein which is a key component in developing dementia.
In addition, chronic sleep disturbances and daytime fatigue can lead to decreased activity levels and increased stress, both of which can have a negative effect on cognitive health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that your loved one has adequate restorative sleep in order to reduce dementia risk or other cognitive problems.
In summary, family caregivers should be aware of any sleep disturbances experienced by their loved one with dementia and take appropriate action. As well, you should discuss any concerns with your doctor about your loved one's sleep characteristics after a dementia diagnosis.
Dementia and Sleep - Conclusion
Caring for a family member living with dementia often involves addressing multiple issues which can be overwhelming at times; however, it is important to remember that many challenges faced by those living with dementia are not insurmountable.
By looking out for signs of disturbed sleep in your loved one you will be better equipped to help them improve their quality of life and mitigate any potential risks associated with a lack of adequate restorative sleep.
With dedication and support from healthcare professionals, you will be able to provide optimal care for your relative living with dementia despite whatever challenges arise along the way.
Do You Need Help at Home for Your Loved One with Dementia?
Choice Dementia Services has been providing high-quality, compassionate in-home care to seniors diagnosed with dementia and their families since 2016. Our team of caregivers is dedicated to helping you live happier, healthier lives at home. We are trained professionals who are ready to help with any task from housekeeping and meal prep to personal hygiene and transportation. And we offer 24/7 emergency support and respite care and always put your loved ones first.
You can trust us with your loved ones because we understand the importance of creating a safe environment where they feel comfortable living. We know that every person has unique needs – which is why we customize each care plan based on what matters most to them and you so they can stay true to themselves as long as possible without sacrificing quality of life along the way. Whether it’s getting groceries delivered right outside their door or having someone come by twice a week for an afternoon chat, Choice Dementia Services will make sure your loved one feels happy and cared for at all times during their time with us.