Coping with Sleep Problems in Alzheimer's Patients
Sleep problems in Alzheimer's disease is a compelling and common condition. If you have a family member, your mother or father is suffering from Alzheimer's disease and you are taking care of him, you know very well what sleep problems mean. Here are tips and tricks to help you and your family and ensure a good night's sleep.
Sleep problems and Alzheimer's are often coexisting. However, having a sleep problem is very uncomfortable for the patients. Find out what you can do to observe, understand and help your relatives get a good night's sleep in Alzheimer's patients.
Why is sleeping problem so common in Alzheimer's patients?
Many elderly people often suffer from sleep problems, but Alzheimer's patients are much more plagued with sleep. With Alzheimer's, the sleep cycle can be reversed. For example, drowsiness during the day and restlessness and insomnia at night. With the progression of Alzheimer's disease, the insomnia which is observed to increase frequently, replaces the night's sleep with insomnia and dense sleepiness occurs during the day.
Sometimes other health problems can cause sleep problems. For example:
Sleep apnea, which can be described as breathing during sleep, can cause insomnia.
Restless leg syndrome can cause difficulty falling asleep, may cause restlessness in sleep and disrupt sleep at night.
Depression can cause sleep.
How to promote a good night's sleep?
To solve the sleep problem that affects you as much as it hurts you and to ensure a good night's sleep for your loved one, you can:
Help make use of the light: Morning sunshine can be useful to improve the quality of your night's sleep. You can find a solution to your sleeping problem by going to the sun, which can be thought of as a light therapy.
Keep away from caffeine and alcohol: Soda, tea, coffee and other caffeine-containing drinks can cause restlessness, malaise and insomnia. Therefore, it is useful to stay away from these drinks. If your relative insists on a drink, prepare a cocktail of freshly squeezed fruit juices. Or let him drink non-alcoholic beer occasionally.
Take control of medicines: First determine which medicines your relative wants to take at what time of day. Arrange the medicines according to her wishes, but drink the stimulant medicines in the morning, more calming and dormant in the evening. You may consider giving sleeping pills to your relatives when you have a sleep problem, but sleeping pills are generally not recommended for Alzheimer's patients. Because sleeping pills can cause confusion and confused thinking in patients.
Encourage physical activity: Plan the day of your relative in a way that often involves physical activities. For example, walking can contribute to night's sleep. Physical activities to be done near the sleep time will help your relatives sleep more comfortably.
Limit daytime sleep: If your loved one needs sweets, daytime sleep, make sure these daytime sleeps are short and not too close to evening hours. Long-term nap on the sofa affects your night's sleep if you sleep on the sofa when you wake up very close to sleep. Or wake up early in the morning if sleeping too much in the morning affects your family's night's sleep.
Create specific routines: Do things like brushing teeth, using the toilet, and listening to light music every day at the same time. Do it during the day while taking a bath is difficult at night. It is also important that the place to sleep is attractive. So make sure the temperature of your room is good for a comfortable sleep. Place a night light in your room to make it comfortable when moving at night. In his room, place certain objects, such as a blanket that he can easily reach when he is cold, and water that he can drink if he is thirsty.
Act according to the underlying cause: If you think depression, sleep apnea are the underlying causes of your relatives' insomnia, intervene and take it to a doctor. Having treatment can help your family to sleep more comfortably.
What should you do if your relative wakes up at midnight?
Do your best to stay calm if your relative wakes up in the middle of his sleep at midnight and is upset. Keep in mind that your relative does not knowingly bother you, and does this inadvertently. Don't argue with him asking why he can't sleep. Find out if she needs something and ask her what you can do for her. Gently convince your relative to sleep again. Also, if you see him wandering around the house at midnight, take him to bed gently and ask him to sleep.
Remember that you also need sleep
Sleep problems may occur in Alzheimer's patients and it is very important that your relatives who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's sleep fall asleep, but it is as important as you to sleep and sleep well . If you can't sleep or get enough sleep, you may lose the patience and compassion you need when looking for someone with Alzheimer's. Ask your other relatives or close friends to look after you for a good night's sleep. Or get help from the doctor about insomnia. If you solve your sleeping problem, you can have a better night's sleep.
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