It’s that time of year again: the time of year when days are shorter, nights are longer and all of our sleep schedules get a little messed up (especially when Daylight Savings Time ends). If you’re a caregiver to a senior with dementia, you may already be dealing with sleep disruptions made worse by the changing seasons.
“It’s very common for people with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia to have issues with their sleep schedule,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a Memory Care Assisted Living community in Nashua, NH. “Daylight Savings Time can exacerbate this situation, but there are things you can do as a caregiver to help make the transition smoother and provide you and your loved one with a better night’s sleep.”
It’s always best to try non-pharmaceutical solutions when helping someone with dementia practice better sleeping patterns, says Michelle. “There are many practical solutions for helping seniors – and even yourself – adapt to the changing daylight patterns and design a better sleeping environment. All of us need a good night’s sleep, and the more we can do to provide a good sleeping environment, the more successful we will be.”
One of the biggest issues for those with dementia, besides the disruption of the circadian rhythm, is that schedules appear to be changed due to Daylight Savings Time. “Having a consistent routine is very important for those living with dementia, and by shifting tasks and activities to be an hour behind, so to speak, this can be very confusing and disruptive. It’s up to you as a caregiver to prepare and plan for the changes, as well as other issues affecting your loved one, to help provide a stable and safe environment for rest and recuperation.”
Daylight and the Circadian Rhythm
The circadian rhythm is the natural sleep-wake cycle of our bodies. It’s affected in many ways, but natural daylight is the biggest booster. That’s why when we fall back or spring forward, we feel so discombobulated. Our bodies are adjusting to a dramatic shift in daylight, and this affects the chemicals released by our brain throughout a normal day. This results in changes in mood, behavior and overall well-being.
Individuals with dementia are often more severely affected because routine is such an important part of managing their daily life. By shifting back an hour, this routine is disrupted and can lead to massive confusion, which results in poor sleeping habits.
Individuals with dementia may experience difficulty sleeping, particularly waking up more often and staying awake longer in the night hours. Studies in brain waves show that those with dementia experience decreases in dreaming and non-dreaming stages, which causes the sleep disruption. When they can’t sleep, seniors with dementia may wander, yell or be anxious and be unable to lie still, which disrupts the sleep of their caregivers.
Not getting enough sleep causes people with dementia to feel drowsy during the day, which results in daytime napping. This then causes more difficulty sleeping and results in a vicious cycle. Sundowning symptoms often increase, and some individuals may experience a complete reversal in their sleep patterns – ending up sleeping during the day and being awake and restless at night.
Tips for Helping Your Loved One Get Good Sleep
If you’re a caregiver to a loved one with dementia, getting good sleep is probably a priority for both you and them. Getting enough rest improves the mood, health and quality of life for everyone. Here are some tips for helping you and your loved one get a better night’s sleep so you can function at top speed during the day.
1. Make sure to treat pain and other medical conditions. Oftentimes, individuals with dementia can’t sleep due to chronic pain or other issues that are keeping them awake, like restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea. Schedule a checkup with your loved one’s physician to ensure that sleep problems aren’t being caused by external factors.
2. Develop a soothing environment that promotes good sleep. Your loved one’s sleeping environment should be designed to promote good sleep. Create a soothing environment by ensuring that the room is quiet, dark and moderately cool. Remove any form of stimulation, such as televisions or tablets. Preserve the space for sleeping – don’t hold activities or any other functions in the room. By making the space a place specifically for sleeping, it will be much easier to get your loved one to settle down and mentally prepare for bedtime.
3. Get enough physical activity during the day. It’s hard to fall asleep when you haven’t been physically active enough. Help your loved one with dementia get enough exercise each day by encouraging daily walks, exercise routines and other physical labors. It’s best to schedule exercise early in the day, because being too tired at night can actually increase agitation and sleeplessness.
4. Get enough sunlight. As mentioned previously, our circadian rhythms are most affected by natural light. Be sure that you and your loved one get enough bright light in the morning to help regulate your sleep cycles. In the evening, dim the lights and provide a calming mood so that it signals bedtime.
5. Establish a bedtime routine. One of the best ways for anyone to get ready for bed is by having a set sleeping schedule. Try and get your loved one to go to bed around the same time each night. Dim the lights, play soothing music and provide a warm, soothing drink to encourage sleepiness.
6. Avoid stimulants and daytime naps. Caffeine, alcohol and other drugs can disrupt sleep, as can napping during the daytime. Limit naps to 30 minutes maximum during the day, and make sure that your loved one stops drinking caffeine before dinnertime.
“Sleep is one of the most restorative and helpful tools we have to care for ourselves and our loved ones,” says Michelle. “It’s essential to prioritize rest and health for both you and your loved one. If none of these tips help, be sure to connect with a medical professional to find tools that will help you get the care you need.”
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides expert memory care within an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, independence and fulfilment in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our programs, care and services are all designed to celebrate our residents’ lives and support each resident’s individual strengths and abilities. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, our memory care professionals work to maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community focused on enriching the lives of our residents and helping their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features, including soft paint colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations, provide a soothing and easy-to-navigate environment.