Alzheimer’s disease and dementia affect more than just memory. They can influence many parts of daily living, which often leads to the need for specialized care. In fact, one curious symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is a change in a person’s sleep patterns. Many families notice their loved one spends more time sleeping, which naturally can lead to worry.
People with Alzheimer’s experience sleep pattern problems due to changes in the brain itself. Cognitive decline can reach the areas responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycle. This can result in disrupted sleep patterns: napping during the day followed by difficulty sleeping at night.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that affects the brain. It develops when unusual proteins build up in the brain and damage nerve cells. It’s the most common type of dementia, accounting for more than 60% of all cases.
Over time, older adults with Alzheimer’s disease face challenges with daily activities. Cognitive abilities worsen as the condition progresses, which leads to a range of unusual symptoms. Eventually, Alzheimer’s disease creates the need for professional support through memory care.
Common Symptoms Of Alzheimer’s Disease
The signs of Alzheimer’s often begin subtly, but become more evident as the disease progresses. If you’re worried about a loved one’s cognitive abilities, it helps to look for the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.
The common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia include:
- Memory loss, especially forgetting recent events
- Struggles with problem-solving or planning tasks
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as making a meal
- Confusion about dates, time, and locations
- Trouble with speaking or finding the right words
- Alterations in personality or mood, such as irritability
These symptoms worsen as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. If you notice these signs, don’t ignore them—the sooner you intervene, the sooner you can help minimize the effects of Alzheimer’s disease on your loved one’s everyday life.
How Does Alzheimer’s Impact Sleep?
Alzheimer’s disease and sleep disturbances are closely linked. People with Alzheimer’s disease often struggle with circadian rhythm changes, the internal “clock” that tells the body when to sleep and wake. As the condition progresses, it damages more regions throughout the brain, which can worsen these symptoms.
The disruption tends to cause excessive sleep during the day and difficulty sleeping at night. This isn’t just a short-term problem—it can lead to all kinds of long-term problems. Sleep deprivation and chronic fatigue worsen cognitive decline further, as they stop the brain from repairing itself when it should be resting instead.
When other conditions are involved, like insomnia or sleep apnea, Alzheimer’s disease can easily impact every part of your loved one’s life. It leads to a cycle where cognitive decline worsens, then affects a person’s sleeping habits even further. This is why it’s so important to step in and support your loved one in their journey to healthier sleep habits.
Tips For Supporting An Older Loved One’s Sleep
If you’ve noticed changes in your loved one’s sleep, it’s time to act. You can step in and make some small, simple changes to promote better rest and reduce disruptions.
To help an older loved one sleep better, it helps to:
- Encourage a consistent sleep schedule where they go to bed and wake up at the same times each day.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or listening to soothing music, to help signal it’s time to wind down.
- Ensure their bedroom environment is conducive to sleep, keeping it dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
- Limit their intake of caffeine and heavy meals in the evening, as these interfere with falling or staying asleep.
- Suggest engaging in regular physical activity during the day, which can improve sleep quality at night.
Every person’s circumstances are unique. If you’re unsure where to start, it helps to rely on a team of experienced professionals like ours at Somerby Lake Nona.
The Benefits of a Move to Memory Care
Memory care communities can make a big difference when Alzheimer’s disease is involved. These communities help create a supportive, structured routine, which can contribute to healthier sleep habits. They offer significant benefits to older adults in need.
Trained Caregivers Monitor Sleep Patterns
Professional caregivers in memory care will actively track residents’ sleep habits to recognize and adapt to their needs. This allows them to address potential sleep concerns quickly—and offer appropriate solutions. Caregivers work hard to create consistent routines for your loved one to make a good night’s rest more accessible than ever.
Supportive Routines For Rest
Memory care focuses on encouraging a calming, relaxing environment. This helps reduce everyday stress and cognitive fatigue that would otherwise disrupt sleep. Meanwhile, daily schedules are built to encourage natural rhythms in your loved one’s life.
Reducing Anxiety & Confusion
Environmental changes, noise, or unclear routines can amplify confusion in people with Alzheimer’s. Memory care communities emphasize comfort and familiarity to help reduce anxiety, giving residents a serene setting for restful nights. Every day is carefully structured to minimize feelings of anxiety, frustration, and confusion.
Restful Nights Are Within Reach
Sleep is an important part of health. When Alzheimer’s disease is involved, sleep disruptions are common, but they’re also often treatable. And if your family needs a little help supporting your loved one, our team at Somerby Lake Nona can help.
Here, our memory care lifestyle is designed with your loved one’s comfort and well-being in mind. We’ll work hard every day to give your loved one the support they deserve. Schedule a visit with our team today to speak with our team and learn how we can help!
