If you’ve noticed a loved one with dementia sleeping a lot, many have gone through the same experience. People with dementia experience excessive sleep, both during the day and night, which can affect their daily lives.

I will discuss the reasons behind this sleepiness, including how dementia affects the brain and other factors like medications and co-existing conditions.

You’ll learn about the different types of dementia and how they influence sleep patterns, along with practical ways to manage excessive sleep.

Why Are People with Dementia Sleeping a Lot?

Excessive sleep in dementia refers to sleeping more than usual, both during the day and at night.

People with dementia may nap frequently or sleep for longer periods than they did before the condition developed. It can also include difficulty staying awake during normal waking hours.

Excessive sleep can impair a person’s ability to perform daily activities. They may struggle to stay engaged in conversations or participate in tasks. This can lead to feelings of frustration, confusion, and isolation.

More sleep often means less time for activities like eating, exercising, or interacting with others. Increased sleep may cause irritability, anxiety, or depression, especially if the person feels disconnected.

Excessive sleep can further affect memory, attention, and problem-solving, worsening dementia symptoms.

In short, too much sleep can reduce a person’s quality of life by limiting their engagement and activity levels.

Understanding Why Dementia Causes More Sleep

Do People with dementia sleep a lot more than usual? Yes, but the reasons behind it can vary. Here’s what may be going on:

• Brain Damage: Dementia damages the parts of the brain that control your sleep-wake cycle. When this system breaks down, it becomes harder to stay awake during the day and sleep soundly at night. This leads to longer naps and disrupted nighttime rest.
• Later Stages of Dementia: As the disease progresses, the body becomes weaker, and the brain is increasingly affected. This causes more fatigue and less energy to stay active. In the late stages, many people sleep most of the day and become less responsive or alert.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications used to treat dementia, anxiety, or sleep disorders can cause drowsiness. These include sedatives, antidepressants, and even some over-the-counter drugs. If someone takes multiple medications, the effects can build up and make them even sleepier.
• Co-existing Conditions: Conditions like depression, sleep apnea, or other chronic illnesses can also lead to more sleep. Depression is especially common in people with dementia and can make them feel tired all the time. Sleep disorders can also impair sleep quality, resulting in daytime fatigue.

Understanding these causes can help you communicate more effectively with a doctor and find ways to manage the sleep changes more effectively.

Dementia Types and Sleep Patterns

Different types of dementia can significantly affect sleep. In vascular dementia, impaired blood flow to the brain disrupts sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and nighttime restlessness.

To manage this, exposure to light during the day and adjusting medications can help regulate sleep. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) disrupts sleep through vivid dreams, REM sleep behavior disorder, and daytime fatigue.

Creating a safe sleep environment and using tailored medication can improve sleep quality. Similarly, Alzheimer’s disease can lead to sleep disturbances, causing excessive sleep during the day and difficulty sleeping at night.

Proper management is crucial for improving sleep in each type of dementia.

Signs of Excessive Sleep in Dementia

Excessive sleep in dementia can show up in various ways, affecting physical, behavioral, and cognitive aspects. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Physical Symptoms: Increased napping during the day, staying awake at night, and trouble staying alert during the day are common signs.

Behavioral Symptoms: Confusion, restlessness, and irritability often occur due to disrupted sleep patterns.

Cognitive Symptoms: Memory decline and trouble concentrating may worsen as excessive sleep continues.

Recognizing these signs early can help in managing the symptoms and improving overall care for those with dementia.

Managing Excessive Sleep in Dementia

Managing excessive sleep in dementia takes a thoughtful mix of medical guidance, daily routines, and caregiver support. It’s not just about getting someone to sleep less; it’s about improving their overall quality of life and helping them stay more alert and engaged during the day.

1. Talk to a Doctor First

Start by speaking with a doctor. Sleepiness could be caused by other health issues or medication side effects, not just dementia itself.

A medical check-up can help rule out conditions like infections, thyroid problems, or sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

The doctor can also review current medications and identify any potential combinations that may be contributing to drowsiness.

2. Encourage Daytime Activity

Keeping the person physically and mentally active during the day can help reduce excessive sleep. Even light activity, such as short walks, stretching, or simple household tasks, can boost energy and improve mood.

Mentally stimulating activities, such as puzzles, music, or conversation, can help keep the brain engaged and reduce the urge to nap.

3. Create a Calm and Consistent Night Routine

Establishing a clear, relaxing bedtime routine helps signal to the body that it’s time to wind down. Try to keep your bedtime and wake-up time the same each day.

Use calming cues, such as soft lighting, quiet music, or a warm bath, before bed. Avoid large meals, caffeine, or screen time close to bedtime.

4. Use Natural Light

Exposure to natural light during the morning and early afternoon helps regulate the body’s internal clock.

Open blinds, go outside, or sit near a sunny window to help reset the sleep-wake cycle. For darker homes or during winter months, light therapy boxes may also be helpful. Consult a doctor before starting.

5. Review and Adjust Medications

Some medications, especially sedatives, sleep aids, or certain antidepressants, can cause daytime drowsiness.

A healthcare provider can help adjust the dosage or timing, or possibly switch to a less sedating option. Never stop or change medications without professional guidance.

6. Support for Caregivers

Caring for someone who sleeps most of the day can be isolating and frustrating. It’s essential for caregivers to take breaks, ask for help, and connect with others who are going through the same thing.

Resources like “A Place for Mom“, local support groups, or online forums can offer guidance, comfort, and practical tips.

By combining these steps, you can help your loved one stay more alert during the day, sleep better at night, and feel more connected to the world around them.

The Vicious Cycle of Excessive Sleep in Dementia

Excessive sleep in dementia can lead to a vicious cycle where increased sleep causes physical weakness and worsens confusion.

As the person sleeps more, their body becomes weaker, and cognitive decline intensifies, making it harder to stay awake and alert.

This lack of activity further fuels fatigue and sleepiness. To break the cycle, it’s important to maintain a consistent routine, encourage physical activity, and reduce sedative medications.

These proactive steps can improve energy, mental clarity, and sleep patterns, helping the person regain strength and alertness.

Conclusion

Excessive sleep can be concerning, but now you know the main causes, signs, and ways to manage it.

When it comes to dementia, sleeping a lot, I’ve found that understanding why it happens makes it easier to adjust routines, encourage movement, and work with doctors to improve quality of life.

Small, steady changes, like adding light exposure, planning gentle activities, and reviewing medications, can often bring real improvements. Every person’s needs are different, so you’ll need to stay patient and willing to try different approaches.

If you want more practical advice on dementia care, healthy routines, and everyday tips you can use right away, you’ll find plenty in my other blogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can diet affect sleep in people with dementia?

Yes. Balanced meals, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and maintaining regular meal times can support better sleep patterns in people with dementia.

Is it safe for people with dementia to take naps during the day?

Short, planned naps can help reduce fatigue, but long or late naps may disrupt nighttime sleep. Aim for a brief rest earlier in the day.