Dementia brings various challenges for seniors and their caregivers, including sleep disturbances. As dementia progresses, it causes disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle, leading to restless nights and increased fatigue for the senior and their caregiver. Addressing these sleep disturbances for your senior loved one’s well-being is crucial.
This informational guide explores strategies to handle common sleep issues related to dementia. We'll cover topics such as nighttime restlessness, creating a soothing bedtime, and adapting the sleeping environment. Implementing the suggestions in this post will help caregivers ensure that their senior loved one achieves more restful and rejuvenating sleep.
The Importance of Exercise to Promote Restful Sleep
Managing nighttime restlessness is essential to caring for an individual with dementia. To minimize restlessness, encourage daily exercise. Physical activity helps promote better sleep by reducing stress and tiring the body. However, your senior loved one should avoid overly strenuous exercise. Low-impact and stretching exercises will provide the best results.
Creating a Soothing Bedtime Routine
A proper bedtime routine will positively affect your senior loved one's sleep quality. Creating this routine includes dos and don'ts. Take a look at the tips below.
Don'ts
- Don’t drink caffeine late in the day. Try to consume coffee or caffeinated tea before noon.
- Avoid sugar at least three hours before bedtime.
- Don't eat a meal too close to bedtime. Consume the last meal of the day at least two hours before starting the bedtime routine.
- Don't watch violent or disturbing television shows right before bedtime.
- Avoid screen time on phones and tablets at least an hour before bedtime.
Dos
- Start preparing for sleep at about the same time every night.
- Drink soothing beverages before bed, such as warm milk or herbal tea.
- Engage in relaxing practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Take a relaxing bath or shower.
- Listen to soothing music.
- Read an enjoyable book.
Adapting the Sleep Environment for Dementia-related Disturbances
Consider safety and comfort when adapting the sleep environment for your senior family member. Safety concerns include removing clutter and preventing fall risks such as cords and unsecured rugs. Additionally, you will want to provide a nightlight and a clear path to the bathroom. You may also want to consider a monitoring system.
Providing a comforting environment for restful sleep includes clean linens, quilts, and blankets offering adequate warmth. You will want to arrange pillows according to your loved ones' physical needs. For some, a recliner in the bedroom also provides a sleeping alternative. Placing a water pitcher nearby will also help keep your family member hydrated during the night. Some people also enjoy falling asleep to soothing music. You may want to invest in a radio with a timing option to turn off the music after an hour or two.
Treating Medical Conditions that May Disturb Sleep
In some cases, underlying health issues or medications contribute to sleep disturbances. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to identify any potential causes of sleep problems and adjust medications or dosing schedules if necessary. Treating any underlying conditions, such as sleep apnea or chronic pain, may also help improve sleep quality for seniors with dementia.
We Can Help
As a caregiver, you should watch for the signs of burnout and consider seeking professional help when necessary. For those living in Greenville or Simpsonville, Senior Helpers can work with you to create a customized home care plan that changes as your loved one's needs change. We provide respite care options, in-home care, companion care, and other senior care programs. Contact us for information about our specialized dementia care and other services.