Sleep can become increasingly difficult for people living with dementia. Changes in brain function affect the natural sleep wake cycle, often leading to restlessness, night time wandering, daytime drowsiness and frequent waking. These disruptions can place pressure on both the person experiencing them and the family members who want to help.
At Patricia White’s, our dedicated carers support families with calm and reassuring night time routines. From offering gentle reminders and creating a soothing environment to providing overnight companionship, we can help ease the impact of dementia related sleep difficulties.
In this guide, we explore why sleep disruption is common in dementia and how supportive home care can bring greater comfort and safety.
How Does Dementia Affect Sleep?
Dementia can alter many parts of daily life, including how a person sleeps. Although everyone experiences the condition differently, certain changes within the brain influence patterns of rest.
Depending on the stage of dementia, a person may experience:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent waking throughout the night
- Confusion about the time of day
- Daytime sleepiness
- Night time wandering
- Vivid dreams or nightmares
- Reversal of sleep patterns, such as being awake at night and sleepy during the day
- Anxiety or agitation during the evening, often known as sundowning
- Reduced awareness of routine or surroundings
These changes can become more noticeable over time and may lead to unsafe situations, such as walking around the house unsupervised or attempting to leave the property during the night.
Why Sleep Disruption Occurs in Dementia
Sleep problems are linked to the physical changes that occur within the brain during dementia. The parts of the brain responsible for sleep, memory, mood regulation and awareness of time may no longer function as they once did. This affects the body’s internal clock and makes it more difficult to follow regular patterns of rest.
Some of the most common reasons include:
Changes in the sleep wake cycle
Dementia can interfere with the body’s natural rhythm, making it harder for a person to understand when it is time to sleep and when it is time to be awake. This can lead to night time alertness and increased daytime napping.
Evening anxiety or agitation
Sundowning can bring restlessness, irritability or confusion as evening approaches. This makes it difficult for a person to relax and prepare for sleep.
Reduced physical activity
If a person is less active during the day, they may not feel naturally tired at night. Long periods of sitting can reduce the need for rest, which then leads to wakefulness in the early hours.
Pain or discomfort
Arthritis, back pain or other physical conditions can affect comfort levels during sleep. Some people may struggle to communicate their discomfort, making it hard for loved ones to understand why they are unsettled.
Medication side effects
Some medicines prescribed for dementia related symptoms can affect sleep. Others may cause daytime drowsiness, which disrupts the natural rhythm of rest and wakefulness.
Changes in vision
Reduced light perception can make it difficult to recognise the time of day. Dim evening light may increase confusion, leading to anxiety and wakefulness.
Bathroom needs
Waking frequently to use the toilet is common as people grow older. If someone with dementia wakes often, they may forget they were trying to sleep and begin moving around the house.
Potential Problems Linked to Sleep Disruption
Ongoing sleep disturbance can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing. Some of the most common issues include:
- Increased confusion: Lack of restful sleep can heighten confusion and disorientation, especially in the morning.
- Greater risk of wandering: If a person wakes during the night and feels unsure of their surroundings, they may begin to walk around the house. This can increase the risk of falls or accidents.
- Higher levels of anxiety: Tiredness often makes someone more sensitive to frustration, worry or agitation, which can affect their mood during the day.
- Reduced immune function: Poor sleep can make it more difficult to fight off infections, which may lead to additional health concerns.
- Impact on family members: Loved ones who provide care may experience broken sleep, stress or exhaustion. This can affect their ability to support their family member, leading to strain on relationships and daily routines.
How to Encourage Better Sleep for Someone with Dementia
Supporting a person with dementia to sleep more comfortably is not always simple, yet small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. The aim is to create a soothing, predictable environment that helps the body recognise when it is time to rest.
Establish a gentle evening routine
A calm routine can help the person understand that the day is coming to an end. Consider activities such as a warm drink, soft music or looking through a familiar photo album.
Maintain regular bed and wake times
Consistency helps reinforce the sleep wake cycle. Try to keep morning wake up times similar, even if the person has slept poorly the night before.
Limit daytime naps
Short rests may be helpful, but long or late afternoon naps can affect night time rest. Encouraging light activity during the day may help.
Create a comfortable sleep environment
Soft, warm lighting, a supportive mattress and comfortable bedding can promote relaxation. Some people find a night light helpful if full darkness increases anxiety.
Encourage gentle activity
A short walk, light stretching or simple household tasks during the day may help build natural tiredness.
Reduce stimulation before bed
Television, loud noise or busy environments can make it harder to settle. A quieter setting supports a smoother transition to sleep.
Offer reassurance
If the person becomes confused or unsettled, gentle reassurance can help. A familiar voice, a hand to hold or a simple reminder of the time may ease anxiety.
Review hydration and caffeine
Encourage regular drinks through the day and consider limiting caffeine in the late afternoon and evening.
Speak to a GP if you notice changes
If sleep problems worsen or new behaviours appear, a GP review may be helpful. They can assess whether pain, medication or other conditions may be contributing.
How Patricia White’s Home Care Can Help
Sleep disruption can be worrying and tiring for families. At Patricia White’s, we understand how challenging night time care can be for someone living with dementia and for the loved ones supporting them. Our experienced carers offer personalised help designed to bring comfort, reassurance and safety.
We can support with:
- Bedtime routines
- Overnight companionship
- Monitoring night time movement
- Keeping the environment calm and safe
- Gentle prompting and reassurance
- Support with personal care
- Encouraging healthy daily routines that promote better sleep
Your loved one will be matched with a carer who understands the complexities of dementia care and who offers patient, compassionate support. We work closely with families to introduce practical strategies that make nights more restful and days more settled. Every care plan is tailored to individual needs, ensuring dignity, independence and comfort.
Talk to Our Dedicated Team Today
Patricia White’s has provided outstanding home care for more than thirty years. Call our experienced team on 01293 224712 to discuss your care needs and receive a free, no obligation quotation.
If you prefer, you can send us a message through our online enquiry form. A member of our care team will respond as soon as possible, usually within twenty four hours.
