Dementia is more complex than it often appears. With professional support and an in-depth understanding of this condition, you can effectively support a loved one in a way that makes a difference. Dementia has many symptoms, but one result often overlooked is how it affects sleep patterns.
Dementia affects everybody a little differently but does often cause significant changes in sleep patterns. A person with dementia may sleep more during the day or sleep less during the night. This is extremely common and varies depending on the specific condition in question.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a group of chronic conditions that primarily affect cognitive abilities. There are several types of dementia, each affecting the brain differently. As dementia progresses, symptoms worsen, leading to problems with memory, thinking, and more.
Some common types of dementia include:
- Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type and makes up more than 70% of all cases
- Vascular dementia, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is changed and damages cells
- Lewy body dementia, where abnormal protein deposits build up and damage cells
- Frontotemporal dementia, which develops earlier than other types and affects behavior
Though each of these has a unique cause and effect, they share a universal result. Brain cells are damaged and cognitive abilities decrease.
Common Symptoms of Dementia
Dementia manifests in several ways. The most well-known effect is decreased memory, but this isn’t the only common symptom. Dementia often causes:
- Difficulty with communication and language
- Problems with focus and attention
- Challenges with reasoning and judgment
- Altered mood and personality changes
- Frustration with routine tasks and daily activities
As the condition worsens, it damages more cells throughout the brain. Eventually, these symptoms reach a point where they impact everyday life.
Why Does Dementia Affect Sleep Patterns?
Dementia is much more complicated than many people think. This progressive condition damages cells throughout the brain, which makes it difficult to recognize some of the symptoms.
However, it can sometimes reach a point where it changes the physical structure of the brain. This can quickly alter a person’s circadian rhythm and cause sleep disturbances. Though these often start as a mild inconvenience, they can eventually completely change your loved one’s sleep cycle.
Then, this can cause sleep deprivation, which begins a rough cycle. The less your loved one sleeps, the worse their brain health becomes. This then causes further sleep patterns, and the circle continues.
This is just one reason why managing your loved one’s dementia is so important. With professional support, you can help them maintain a dignified lifestyle full of comfort and support. But how?
How to Manage Sleep Issues in Dementia
If you think your loved one is having difficulty falling or staying asleep, it’s time to take action. This can quickly become a significant problem, so try to step in and help.
First, examine their sleep environment. This is one of the most important parts of a good night’s sleep. Try to:
- Ensure the bedroom is quiet and clean.
- Use blackout curtains to keep the room dark.
- Make sure their blankets and pillows are comfortable.
- Reduce noise and light exposure where possible.
Then, focus on their routine.
How to Create a Bedtime Routine
Creating a consistent bedtime routine often makes a big difference. It helps improve sleep quality by training the body and brain to get ready for sleep at the same time every night. It’s important to approach this with patience and understanding—changes might take some time.
Try to:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule by encouraging your loved one to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.
- Encourage regular physical activity during the day to help improve nighttime restfulness.
- Limit caffeine and heavy meals in the evening as these can interfere with their ability to fall asleep.
- Encourage calming activities before bed, such as listening to soothing music or reading a gentle story, to help signal it’s time to relax.
These gentle adjustments promote a better sleep routine. They’re simple changes, but they can make a large difference.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your loved one’s sleep habits are a problem, it might be time for professional care. Look for signs that something is wrong, like:
- Increased confusion or disorientation at night
- Persistent difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep
- Excessive daytime sleepiness or napping that interrupts daily activities
- Sleepwalking or acting out dreams, which could indicate a sleep disorder
These are signs that your loved one could benefit from a move to memory care. And our team at The Enclave of Franklin is ready to help.
How Memory Care Can Help
Sleep disturbances are a common problem for older adults with dementia. However, we’re ready to help. Through our Lilac Trace Memory Care lifestyle, we can work with your family to find a routine that makes a difference. Contact our team today for more information, or schedule a visit to see for yourself!
