Why Do People With Dementia Sleep So Much?

If you’ve noticed that your loved one with dementia is sleeping for long stretches during the day or experiencing significant changes in their sleep patterns, you’re not alone. Many families struggle to understand why this happens and how to respond. 

However, an increase in time spent sleeping is a common aspect of later-stage dementia. It occurs because of the damage that dementia does over time to the brain, disrupting a person’s sleep patterns and causing them to need more rest. Typically, a few extra hours of sleep a night for those with dementia is nothing to worry about.

At Mira Vie Senior Living, we understand the effort that goes into caring for a loved one with dementia. That’s part of the reason why we offer memory care—a form of senior living designed for those experiencing cognitive decline. We want our residents’ family members to know that they’re living safe and fulfilling lives!

Why Does Dementia Affect Sleep?

Those living with dementia tend to sleep more. This is because dementia damages and disrupts the brain.

Dementia is also capable of causing irregular sleep patterns, which may result in daytime drowsiness and poor sleep quality, resulting in a person sleeping more.

Impact of Brain Changes

The brainstem and hypothalamus help regulate our circadian rhythms (essentially, our body’s internal clock), but they often begin to deteriorate in later stages of dementia. Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Lewy body dementia affect neurotransmitters and hormones that play a critical role in regulating sleep and wakefulness.

This means that for someone with dementia:

• The natural body rhythms that distinguish between day and night might be disrupted
• They may feel lethargic during the day
• Nighttime wakefulness or restlessness could be coupled with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Different Types of Dementia & Sleep Impact

Not all dementias result in the same kinds of sleep disturbance. For instance:

• Alzheimer’s disease often leads to fragmented sleep and increased daytime napping.
• Lewy body dementia can result in REM sleep behavior disorder, including vivid dreams or restlessness.
• Vascular dementia, due to its connection with strokes or vascular issues, may also exacerbate fatigue and poor-quality rest.

Understanding the kind of dementia that your loved one has can provide some insight into sleep challenges.

Does Quality of Sleep Matter for People with Dementia?

Yes, sleep quality plays a crucial role in cognitive and physical health. When those living with dementia don’t get adequate or restorative sleep:

• It can exacerbate confusion, agitation, and memory difficulties.
• Symptoms like sundowning—increased restlessness or confusion in the evening—may worsen.
• Their overall health could decline as sleep deprivation weakens the immune system and impedes physical recovery.

Unfortunately, poor sleep quality is often a vicious cycle for dementia patients. Cognitive decline makes restorative sleep challenging, and fragmented sleep adversely affects cognition.

What Should I Do If a Person with Dementia Is Sleeping a Lot?

If you notice your loved one sleeping more than usual, there are a few steps that you can take to help you determine the cause and improve their overall well-being.

Observe Sleep Patterns

Start by tracking your loved one’s sleep habits:

• How many hours do they sleep each day?
• Are they alert and responsive when awake?
• Are there specific times of day when they seem most tired?

Recording these patterns over a week or two can provide valuable information for healthcare providers.

Rule Out Underlying Causes

Excessive sleepiness isn’t always caused by dementia alone. Other factors could be at play, such as:

• Medications: Certain medications, including sedatives, antipsychotics, or painkillers, may contribute to fatigue or drowsiness. Check with a doctor to see if an adjustment is needed.
• Depression: Depression is common among people with dementia and can result in excessive sleeping. A professional evaluation may help address mood-related challenges.
• Other Health Conditions: Sleep apnea, thyroid issues, or infections can impact energy levels.

Addressing these contributors may help your loved one feel more alert and engaged.

Engage Them in Activities

Encouraging mild physical activity, gentle cognitive exercises, or spending time outdoors can help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Exposure to natural sunlight helps reinforce a person’s circadian rhythm.

Should You Let Someone With Dementia Sleep All Day?

It may seem like letting your loved one sleep whenever they want to is the kind and natural solution. However, this is not always the case.

While rest is crucial for the body and brain, too much daytime sleep can worsen insomnia and nighttime wakefulness, disrupt overall sleep cycles, and limit opportunities for social interaction or cognitive stimulation, thereby accelerating cognitive decline.

Here are some ideas to gently limit excessive daytime sleeping:

• Establish a Daily Routine: Maintaining consistent mealtimes, exercise, and bedtime rituals can help regulate your loved one’s internal clock.
• Use Light Therapy: A lightbox or increased exposure to natural daylight during morning hours can help signal that it’s time to be awake.
• Encourage Small Activities: Even low-energy activities like folding laundry or listening to music can help keep your loved one engaged during the day.

When to Seek Help

There are times when excessive sleepiness warrants professional intervention. Consider seeking help if:

• Your loved one’s sleep patterns change suddenly and dramatically.
• Your loved one is difficult to wake during the day or responds sluggishly when alert.
• Your loved one displays additional symptoms like drastic weight loss, behavioral changes, or reduced mobility.
• You suspect an undiagnosed medical condition like an infection or sleep disorder.

Discussing these concerns with a healthcare provider can help identify underlying issues and create a care plan tailored to your loved one’s needs.

Treatment for Excessive Sleepiness

While there isn’t a cure for dementia, there are treatments that can help manage excessive sleepiness. Depending on your loved one’s health and needs, a doctor may suggest:

• Adjusting their daily medications.
• Addressing health issues such as sleep apnea or chronic pain that may interfere with rest.
• Using cognitive-behavioral therapy to promote healthy sleep habits.
• Introducing mild stimulants for energy, though these are typically considered carefully and should be used as a last resort.

It’s essential to work closely with healthcare providers when considering treatment options, as every person with dementia is unique.

Supporting Your Loved One While Caring for Yourself

Caring for someone with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when something as basic as sleep becomes a challenge. It’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Support groups, online resources, and professional caregivers can offer guidance and companionship. And don’t forget to prioritize your well-being—your health and rest are just as important as your loved one’s.

At Mira Vie Senior Living, we want you to feel at ease about your loved one’s well-being and quality of life. Contact us today to see how our memory care services can help support you and your loved one get more out of your time together.