Poor sleep aggravates dementia and increases Alzheimer's risk. Sleeping well restores and refreshes the brain. Learn to get a good night's sleep to prevent and treat dementia. Check out these tips.
Getting a Good Night’s Sleep to Prevent and Treat Alzheimer's
There are many things you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some ideas.Sleep Essentials
- Follow a regular schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Napping in the late afternoon or evening may keep you awake at night.
- Develop a bedtime routine. About 30-45 minutes before bedtime each night, do the same things so your body will know that it’s time to sleep. Some people watch television, read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath.
- Your bedroom should be dark, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible.
- Be sure you have a comfortable mattress, a pillow you like, and enough blankets for the season.
- Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.
- Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day.
- Be careful about when and how much you eat. Large meals close to bedtime may keep you awake, but a light snack in the evening can help you get a good night’s sleep.
- Stay away from caffeine late in the day. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, cola, and hot chocolate) is a stimulant that can keep you awake.
- Drink less liquid in the evening. Waking up to go to the bathroom and turning on a bright light breaks up your sleep.
- Remember that alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep.
- Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light give yourself about 15 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.
Safe Sleeping
Try to set up a safe and restful place to sleep. Make sure there are smoke alarms on each floor and lock up the house before going to bed. Other ideas for a safe night’s sleep are:- Keep a telephone with emergency phone numbers by your bed.
- Have a good lamp that turns on easily within reach.
- Put a glass of water next to the bed.
- Use nightlights in the bathroom and hall.
- Don’t smoke, especially in bed.
- Remove area rugs so you won’t trip if you get out of bed in the middle of the night.
- Don’t fall asleep with a heating pad on; it may burn.
Sleep & Dementia — A Special Problem
Alzheimer’s and other dementias often change a person’s sleeping habits. For example, some people with Alzheimer’s disease sleep too much; others don’t sleep enough. Some people wake up many times during the night; others wander or yell at night. The person with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the only one who loses sleep. Caregivers may have sleepless nights, leaving them tired and out of sorts.If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps you can take to protect his or her nighttime safety. Try the following:
- Put a gate across the stairs.
- Make sure the floor is clear of objects.
- Lock up any medicines.
- Put grab bars in the bathroom.
- Put a portable toilet in the bedroom.
Sweet Dreams
There are some tricks to help you fall asleep. You don’t really have to count sheep—just try counting slowly to 100. Some people find that playing mental games makes them sleepy—tell yourself it’s 5 minutes before you have to get up and you’re just trying to get a few extra winks. Other people find that relaxing their body puts them to sleep. You might start with your toes, and tell yourself that your toes are relaxed and sleepy. Work your way up the rest of the body saying the same words. You may drift off to sleep before getting to the top of your head.If you feel tired and unable to do the things you usually do for more than 2-3 weeks, see a doctor. Sleep problems can cause you to feel bad, but there are changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep.
SOURCE:
National Institute of Aging, U.S. National Institutes of Health
COPYRIGHT:
© Copyright 2013, Alzheimer's Weekly LLC. All Rights Reserved.
There is some interesting research out there related to amyloid production during wake cycles and the severity of Alzheimer's symptoms (sundowning) and the risk of Alzheimer's from chronic sleep deprivation. http://thedementiaqueen.com/2012/12/get-some-sleep/
ReplyDeletewow nice post.
ReplyDeleteDo you ever find it hard to fall asleep night, or frequently tired during the day after seemingly sufficient sleep? These 7 easy to apply steps can help you get the best sleep you possibly can every night.
ReplyDeletePeople with Alzheimer’s often have problems with sleeping or may experience changes in their sleep schedule. When managing sleep changes, non-drug coping strategies should always be tried first.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, who has dementia, sleeps all the time. He has a cpap but will not use it. I installed a automatic toilet light on the toilet so he does not have to turn on the light. He talks in his sleep and is very active. But, when he does it seems that he has more good quality sleep, or he feels as if he is more rested...
ReplyDeleteQuite informative
ReplyDeleteWould like to add there is more to add night lights in hall and bathroom. lighting should be even illumination and the source should not be visible. Because the task is to go to the bathroom with out falling, and then going back to bed it is best to see and not wake up. Use a warm to amber light source and stay away from cool to blue. If a single source of light is used the eye will adjust quickly to the source and not quickly when turning away from the source, making it even darker by losing a dark adapted eye.
ReplyDeleteMy dad takes a sleep med. he has dementia and had a stroke two years ago. He falls asleep fine but wakes up partway through the night and can't go back to sleep. At 93 he refuses PT and gets no exercise nor goes outside. At a loss.
ReplyDelete