Suggestions for Sleeping Issues in Alzheimer's Patients

One of the earlier symptoms of Alzheimers my grandmother displayed was sleep difficulties. My grandfather had to keep getting up with her almost hourly. Once his health was affected due to lack of sleep, the night shifts were split up among my uncle, aunt and grandfather until we finally had to get Grandma some Respite Care.

Our worker helped us understand sleep issues were common among Alzheimer patients and, with this understanding, we were able to care for her more easily.

Why are sleep problems so common for Alzheimer's sufferers?

Issues with sleep generally increase as we age but those with Alzheimers it seems even more so. Research has shown that this problem may be due to a reverse in the patient's sleep-wake cycles where he will become more sleepy during the day and more alert during the night. And, unfortunately, these issues increase as the disease progresses.

Other contributors may include:

• Sleep apnea - this is when the relaxation of the throat muscles obstructs air flow in the nose and throat causing the person to stop breathing.
• Restless Legs Syndrome.
• Depression.
• Worry.
• Stress.

How can I help promote healthier sleep habits for my loved one?

It can take some work, both for the patient as well as for the caregiver, but bearing a few suggestions in mind can help to make a difference:

Lighting. As with teaching babies to sleep through the night, exposing your loved one to bright light (daylight) during the day with dimmer lighting (nighttime) at night can help to regulate the wake-sleep cycle. Light therapy has also been shown to help with depression.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Products such as chocolate, certain teas, coffee,or that favorite 'Night Cap' can be enough to trigger sleeplessness. Alcohol can also increase anxiety, confusion and restlessness. If your loved one wants his special drink or food, try having it earlier in the day and try the nonalcoholic versions of drinks.

Understand medications. In the beginning, Grandma was on so many different kinds of medication before her Alzheimer's diagnosis, they seemed to make her symptoms even worse. Make sure to stay on top of medication and what the side effects are. Try talking to your loved one's doctor if there is any concern.

Get moving. Staying active is a great way to keep the body strong, the mind going as well as use energy up during the day and, hopefully, ease your loved one to sleep at night. Just be sure to limit activity close to bedtime or it will have the opposite affect.

Limit naps during the day. It's okay to have a little rest during the day just be sure that he takes a short snooze opposed to a long sleep; that you have him nap in a recliner or the couch rather then his bed; and keep the lighting brighter.

Create and maintain a regular bedtime. Routine is essential for patients with Alzheimer's to help keep everything familiar and 'normal'. You could even try writing everything down in a list and putting little reminder stickies around: Wash your face, brush your teeth, use the toilet, get pajamas on, etc. Have everything right where she'll find it. You could try having calming music or sound CDs, a night light to reduce anxiety and her favorite familiar calming tools within arms reach.

Determine and deal with any other issues. If your loved one has any of the underlying problems listed earlier, talk to her health care provider to help deal with those issues. Oftentimes sleep can be helped by taking care of other conditions interfering with being able to rest.

Aside from these points, it's important to help your loved one as much as possible if he still wakes up during the night. Try to be as supportive and understanding as possible. Try not to encourage long conversation but do try getting her to tell you what's wrong or what she needs then gently help her back to bed.

Above all else it's essential to get enough rest yourself. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be a draining job and you won't be able to help if you are too exhausted. Just as we did with Grandma, share the night time shifts with others, sneak rests in where you can or even see if you qualify for some sort of Respite. Sleep is essential for overall functioning and with the right strategies and tools, you can ensure your loved one is getting her precious Zs.