Why Do People With Dementia Sleep So Much?

It is common that people with dementia sleep a lot due to changes they experience in their sleep patterns. This may be due to various factors, such as decreased physical and mental activity, disruption in circadian rhythms, side effects of medication, and changes in brain structure that affect sleep regulation.

Besides, fatigue caused by cognitive and emotional effort associated with dementia also contributes to people with dementia sleeping so much. Although sleeping more than normal may be a common feature in dementia, it is important to note that changes in sleep patterns vary from individual to individual, and will depend on the type and stage of the disease.

The relationship between dementia and excessive sleep is complex, as there may be many reasons involved. Next, we will mention the possible factors that cause dementia to cause excessive sleep:

• Cognitive impairment: Dementia causes structural and chemical changes in the brain, such as the loss of brain cells and the buildup of abnormal proteins, such as amyloid plaques and tau tangles. These changes can affect the sleep-wake centers in the brain, leading to sleep disorders. Discover what mild cognitive impairment consists of in the elderly population in this article.
• Circadian rhythm disturbances: Dementia affects waking and sleeping patterns. By changing this, people with dementia may be able to sleep a lot. Excessive sleepiness fragments sleep, with daytime naps and nighttime awakenings, contributing to overall oversleeping.
• Associated sleep problems: People with dementia may experience other sleep problems, such as restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, or other sleep disorders that contribute to daytime sleepiness.
• Side effects of psychiatric medications – Some medications used to treat dementia symptoms may have sedative side effects, increasing drowsiness.
• Lack of physical activity: The release of endorphins is a fundamental aspect for the well-being of any person. In the case of dementia, we can observe that the absence of physical exercise increases the difficulty in carrying out daily activities and causes excess sleep.

Although it may be common for people with dementia to sleep a lot, it is not necessarily advisable to allow them to sleep as much without taking other factors into account. Here are some considerations that you should take into account in these cases:

• Physical activity: Lack of strength and physical resistance exercises cause a decrease in serotonin and adrenaline levels that interfere with daily energy. Encouraging gentle activities such as short walks or stretching exercises can be beneficial.
• mood Sometimes, when people with dementia sleep so much, it can also indicate the presence of other mental disorders such as depression. In these cases, it is not advisable to let them sleep too much. Keeping them engaged in cognitively stimulating activities during the day can help reduce daytime sleepiness.
• Consult a professional: If excessive sleepiness persists and affects your quality of life, it is important to speak with your doctor to review your medication and evaluate whether it needs to be adjusted.

Beyond these recommendations, it must be taken into account that each patient has unique characteristics, and will need both professional and family help to stop sleeping too much.

Helping people with dementia sleep better can significantly improve their quality of life and that of their caregivers. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:

• Establish a sleep routine: On a piece of paper, write down precise times to sleep. This will allow the person’s rest patterns to be regulated. Likewise, you can choose to use alarms as a reminder of the established schedules.
• Create an environment conducive to sleep – Make sure the bedroom is comfortable and relaxing. Control the temperature so that it is comfortable, keep the room dark and quiet to promote body relaxation, and reduce any noise or distractions that could interfere with sleep. On the other hand, pleasant fragrances induce a state of calm.
• Provides regulatory elements: Clocks, calendars and reminders are great allies for people with dementia who sleep a lot, as they reduce the anxiety of having to remember schedules.
• Promote physical activity during the day – Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality. Encourage the person to participate in gentle activities during the day, such as short walks or stretching exercises. In this article you will find information on How to improve your physical well-being.
• See a clinical professional: If complications persist, consult with a mental health professional who provides specialized support.

This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

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