Alzheimer’s causes changes in the brain that can affect the quality and quantity of sleep for seniors. It’s not uncommon for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia to experience light sleep, troubled sleep, or frequently wake up at night. Because sleep is so important for mental and physical health and helps prevent cognitive decline, falls, and mood swings, our Tapestries Memory Care team has put together 5 tips for seniors with Alzheimer’s to get a better night’s sleep.
Recognizing the signs of a poor night’s sleep
Unless you are
actively monitoring the sleep patterns of your loved ones, it can be difficult
to know if they are sleeping well at night. We recommend that you look for the
following signs of a poor night’s rest:
- Increased and unexplained levels of
aggression
- Irritability,
- Daytime sleeping
- Confusion, trouble with verbal expression.
It might also be a
good idea to get a wearable fitness device for your loved one that you can log
into to check their night-time activity. By checking the steps taken and GPS
data, you can see if your loved one is tossing and turning a lot in their sleep
or getting up and walking around often at night.
How to improve sleep quality in seniors with dementia
conditions
Now that you have the
information you need to diagnose poor sleeping patterns in your loved one,
here’s what you can do to help improve their sleep quality and sleep hours.
- Lighting – Natural lighting aligns with our circadian
rhythms, telling our brain and body when it’s time to be awake and when to
sleep. Artificial lighting can interfere with this, so it’s a good idea to
try to enhance the lighting during the day and dim it at night for your
loved one. They can use a light therapy lamp in the daytime (especially in
winter or if the room has limited natural lighting), and install thick
curtains or blinds that are closed in the evening to block out street
lighting and make their room nice and dark. Of course, it’s important to
also put a light close to their bed to assist if they need to get up
during the night to help prevent falls.
- Bedtime routine – We all respond well to a bedtime routine,
no matter our age, and consistency can be a very effective way of calming
the mind and preparing for sleep. Specialists recommend that the bedroom
is kept between 60-67 degrees, that screen time is ended at least one hour
before bed, and that all grooming and toileting is completed about 30
minutes before bedtime. It’s also a good idea to have a consistent time
for going to sleep, to avoid stimulants like coffee and sugar, and to have
some indulgent, relaxing routines like using aromatherapy, gentle massage,
or soft music.
- Check medications – Some medications have side effects that
can affect sleep, either making your loved one more sleepy or more alert.
Those that make them more alert should be taken in the morning or midday
(as recommended by their doctor), while those that can cause drowsiness
should be taken in the evening. You can also talk to your loved one’s
doctor about introducing supplements that may help sleep, such as CBD or
melatonin.
- Physical activities – Being active in the day is one of the best
ways to improve sleep, and your loved one should try to aim for 30 minutes
a day (even if it is spread out in bursts). Try to find an activity that
can easily be made part of your loved one’s daily routine and that they
will enjoy. A walk around the neighborhood, some indoor senior yoga,
or indoor water-based exercises are all great options.
- Mental activities – Cognitive exercises help stimulate the
brain, slow decline and improve sleep. Try activities that are suited to
your loved one’s interests and abilities without being frustrating, like
therapy exercises, online games, drawing or painting, or crafts. Even
visits with friends and family can help provide the mental stimulation the
brain and body need to experience quality rest.
At The Shores, our
full-service assisted
living community, we offer exceptional memory care for residents in
South Jersey. Our Life Enrichment Team Specialists (LETS) are well versed in
the latest therapies and exercises to strengthen cognitive function for those
with Alzheimer’s and other dementia conditions. At our root, we aim to create a
safe, compassionate, and enjoyable space for seniors with dementia, where the
quality of life is the top priority.
To find out more about
memory care in Cape May County, contact us today or visit our website at https://theshores.umcommunities.org/
Original blog posted
on https://theshores.umcommunities.org/the-shores/5-sleeping-tips-for-those-with-alzheimers/
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