Caregiver Information
About one third of peoples lives are spent in this state of near unconsciousness. As we age the need for sleep often diminishes. Someone over 65 years may only require five and a half hours or less. But sleep patterns and habits do change and can cause difficulties to caregivers as well as the person affected. This article looks at tips for coping with sleep problems.
How does Alzheimers disease affect Sleep?
The way in which Alzheimers disease affects sleep patterns physiologically is difficult to quantify. The area of the brain
known as the reticular formation does govern sleep and arousal, but the effects of brain damage that may occur with
Alzheimers is not understood. Stress, anxiety, medications, physical fitness and diseases can be present in addition to
Alzheimers disease.
12 Tips to Promote Regular Sleep Patterns
At various stages in life all people experience sleep difficulties and problems of some sort. Illness, disease and emotional states and events can have profound effects on our ability to get to sleep and stay asleep. If sleep patterns remain disrupted and problematic seek help from your family doctor, gerontologist or specialist.
