12 Tips for Promoting Regular Sleep & Alzheimer's

About one third of people’s 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 Alzheimer’s disease affect Sleep?
The way in which Alzheimer’s 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 Alzheimer’s is not understood. Stress, anxiety, medications, physical fitness and diseases can be present in addition to Alzheimer’s disease.

12 Tips to Promote Regular Sleep Patterns

Try keeping bedtime rituals consistent.

Go to bed at similar times each night

Close blinds to demonstrate differences in light levels

Keep lighting dim. Use night lights if there is a safety problem or the dark promotes anxiety

Relaxing in a bathtub or having a warm shower can promote sleep

A peaceful evening with less stimulation may encourage sleep. Play any music softly, choose relaxing music, T.V programs.

A snack before bed may help. Hunger can wake and make a person restless

Restrict caffeine and excess intake of fluids before bedtime

Use the bathroom before going to bed.

Restlessness during the night may be due to hunger, the need to go to the bathroom, heat or cold, discomfort.

Discourage naps in the day. If a nap is important try to limit the time

Encourage exercise and stimulating activities in the day

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.