One of the most challenging aspects of living with dementia is the disruption of sleeping patterns. This can lead to increased confusion, and fatigue, and significantly impact the individual’s ability to engage in daily activities, hobbies, or interests. Additionally, sleep deprivation can exacerbate mental health issues, contributing to conditions such as depression or anxiety. For those with dementia, particularly those with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, nighttime hallucinations can be particularly distressing.
For family carers, these sleep disturbances can also take a toll, often leading to the need for professional care, especially for respite. At ENA Care Group, our live-in care service can include night-time support, ensuring that disruptions to other family members are minimised and that the individual with dementia receives optimal care throughout the night.
How Can We Help Someone with Dementia Sleep Better?
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to improving sleep for those with dementia, here are ten strategies that our live-in carers use to help our clients enjoy a more restful night:
1. A Comfortable Bed Ensuring the bed is optimised for comfort is crucial. This includes selecting the right covers that provide adequate warmth and supportive pillows. If the mattress is over eight years old, it might be time to replace it, as this alone can significantly improve comfort levels at night.
2. Creating the Ideal Bedroom Environment The bedroom should be cool rather than hot, and as dark as possible, with subtle lighting available if the person needs to get up during the night. Curtains or blinds should block out any street lighting or early morning daylight. Consider shadows in the room that might cause distress. Fresh air can also aid sleep, so opening a window before bedtime or keeping it open during the night (if noise levels permit) might be beneficial. If necessary, use window restrictors for safety.
3. Adjusting Mealtime Routines Timing is key when it comes to meals. Eating too close to bedtime can cause discomfort, while eating too early might leave the person hungry. Gradually adjusting mealtimes can help. Also, consider what is eaten in the evenings; spicy or rich foods might be best avoided.
4. Managing Hydration Drinking too much fluid close to bedtime can lead to frequent trips to the toilet, disrupting sleep. Small sips of water to quench thirst, and avoiding caffeine later in the day, can help. While alcohol might induce sleep, it often leads to poorer quality sleep, so it’s best not to rely on it as a sleeping aid. For additional advice on sleep hygiene, refer to The Sleep Charity.
5. Reviewing Medication Side Effects Some medications can cause side effects that either disrupt sleep or make the person drowsy during the day, reducing their sleep drive at night. If you suspect this might be an issue, consult with the person’s GP to explore alternative medication options.
6. Establishing a Winding Down Routine Before bed, it’s helpful to turn off screens and use low-level lighting, avoiding blue light in favour of amber or red. Activities like meditation, bedtime yoga, aromatherapy, or a warm bath can help. Reading a book or listening to sleep stories, either read by a carer or through an app, can also be soothing. You might find apps like Calm helpful in establishing a relaxing bedtime routine.
7. Addressing Emotional Wellbeing If the person is going to bed with worries or anxieties, encourage them to talk about their concerns or write them down. In cases where vivid nighttime hallucinations occur, providing reassurance is essential, alongside following guidance from reputable sources like the Alzheimer’s Society.
8. Respecting Early-Life Routines Individuals with dementia might revert to early-life routines, such as waking up early. Rather than arguing, try to support this routine by gradually adjusting their day to ensure they still get enough sleep.
9. Be Cautious with Naps While napping can be beneficial, too many or too long naps can interfere with nighttime sleep. Our live-in carers aim to keep clients active and engaged during the day, with plenty of exposure to natural light, possibly through outdoor exercise.
10. Using Technology Family carers might find peace of mind by using a sensor to alert them when the person gets out of bed. Additionally, a dementia clock (perhaps not in the bedroom) can help orientate the person to time and place.
If the person wakes during the night despite your efforts, assist them in using the toilet, and offer small amounts of food or drink if needed. Keep the lighting low, avoid screens, and try using a sleep story to help them relax. For further advice, check out tips from The Sleep Charity.
For more information about how ENA Care Group can support you or your family, please call us on 01707 333700 or email us at care@ena.co.uk.
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