| If you are the caregiver of someone with | | | | night-time drink. |
| Alzheimer's, you may have noticed a change in | | | | |
| their sleeping habits. Is this normal? | | | | It is much more appropriate to keep the |
| | | | Alzheimer's sufferer awake as long as |
| People often assume that as we get older, we | | | | possible during the day (though it is often |
| need less sleep. This is true for many | | | | tempting to let them sleep for long periods, |
| people, but not for everyone. Even in old age | | | | as this gives the caregiver some time to do |
| everyone has their own sleeping pattern which | | | | chores, have a few minutes to themselves, or |
| suits them best. | | | | even take a nap. |
| | | | |
| The sleep needs of an Alzheimer's disease | | | | Make sure it isn't another problem that is |
| sufferer may or may not change, but what | | | | causing the restless nights. This could |
| often happens is that their sleep cycle | | | | include incontinence, night cramps, or joint |
| becomes reversed. In other words, they may | | | | pain. Sometimes simply giving the patient two |
| sleep all day and be wide awake at night. | | | | paracetamol just before bedtime can alleviate |
| | | | these problems, so it's worth checking out. |
| This isn't a problem in itself - though it | | | | |
| can be very distressing, and tiring for their | | | | Keeping the Alzheimer's sufferer gently |
| caregivers. Especially if they become | | | | active during the day is a good way of |
| disruptive and noisy by moving around in the | | | | helping them to re-establish a sleeping |
| main living areas acting as though it is | | | | pattern that allows them to settle again at |
| daytime. | | | | night. |
| | | | |
| It's very tempting to use medication to help | | | | If this proves to be unworkable, many people |
| the Alzheimer's disease sufferer sleep at | | | | use night sitting services. These can be very |
| night. Though eventually it may become | | | | useful as the Alzheimer's sufferer is able to |
| necessary, sedatives can often exacerbate | | | | wander about closely supervised, and the |
| their confused mental state, which then makes | | | | caregiver is able to have a few nights of |
| the person more difficult to care for. It is | | | | undisturbed sleep. |
| a vicious cycle. | | | | |
| | | | Even if a service like this is only be used |
| A small glass of their favorite alcoholic | | | | for one or two nights a week, it allows the |
| beverage is often a good idea, or perhaps a | | | | caregiver to get some quality sleep. And a |
| warm drink - though urinary incontinence may | | | | well-slept caregiver is more likely to give |
| need to be considered when giving them a | | | | good care. |