Sleep issues are extremely common for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Worse, lack of sleep can amplify Alzheimer’s symptoms and make life more frustrating for the Alzheimer’s patient and the people who love them. Because sleep affects so many other health issues, too, it’s crucial to find solutions that help address sleep issues. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families find solutions that help.
Sundowning and Agitation
Sundowning occurs when seniors with Alzheimer’s disease experience confusion at the end of the day. The agitation and anxiety that they experience can make it difficult for them to fall asleep or even stay asleep. Sundowning can cause repeated agitation overnight as well. The prevailing theory about this involves circadian rhythms being disrupted, as well as confusion that Alzheimer’s patients experience about time of day.
Disrupted Circadian Rhythms
There are other factors that can disrupt circadian rhythms, too. As those rhythms become more disrupted, seniors with Alzheimer’s may find themselves sleeping during the day and having more trouble sleeping at night. The problem gradually becomes worse and can completely flip sleep and wake times. Home care providers can work with seniors to help them get back onto a regular schedule.
Restlessness Overnight
Overnight restlessness can keep seniors with Alzheimer’s disease from falling asleep. They might experience uncontrollable movements like restless leg syndrome, or they might find themselves getting up and pacing or wandering. This can be a problem for family caregivers, too, because their sleep also ends up interrupted. Having help from Alzheimer’s care providers overnight can be a huge help in reducing the impact of overnight restlessness.
Nighttime Wakefulness
Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease are frequently confused and disoriented. Sometimes they may wake during the night and be confused about what is going on and where they are. That confusion can cause them to be even more upset, making it more difficult to fall asleep again. Alzheimer’s care providers can help to reassure seniors, assisting them in getting back to sleep.
Improving Sleep for Seniors with Alzheimer’s Disease
The most important part of all of this is helping seniors with Alzheimer’s disease to get past these issues and improve their sleep habits as much as possible. Consistent routines help a lot, and Alzheimer’s care providers can do so much to establish strong routines for Alzheimer’s patients. Limiting stimulating foods and drinks later in the day can make bedtime easier. It can also help for seniors to engage in a little more physical activity during the day. Walking, stretching, and other physical activities can help to reduce overnight restlessness that might cause seniors with Alzheimer’s to wake more often overnight.
Tips for Family Caregivers
Getting help as soon as possible is really important after seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s care providers have a lot of experience helping with all sorts of issues that seniors face. They can help aging adults to keep track of sleep habits, making it easier to spot problems in sleep routines. They can also help family caregivers take time away, which improves their ability to keep providing solid care.
Sleep issues are unfortunately very common for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. With a plan in place and help from Alzheimer’s care providers, families can get a better handle on these problems and help seniors find solutions that work.
If you are considering Alzheimer’s care in Memorial, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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