When a parent living with dementia starts sleeping more than they once did, it can be difficult not to worry. Maybe they fall asleep in their favorite chair shortly after breakfast, spend much of the afternoon napping, or begin going to bed hours earlier than they used to.
You may find yourself wondering whether excessive sleep in dementia is simply a normal part of the disease or a sign that something else is happening. Sometimes increased sleep can point to an underlying problem. In many cases, however, the number of hours your parent spends sleeping is not as important as the way their sleep habits have changed.
Why Sleep Changes With Dementia
Changes in sleep are common as dementia progresses. Most older adults generally need around seven to nine hours of sleep each night, but a person with dementia may eventually spend 13 to 15 hours sleeping throughout a 24-hour period.
Seeing your parent sleep for that long can certainly be concerning. However, increased sleep does not automatically mean that something is wrong. Dementia can affect portions of the brain responsible for controlling the sleep-wake cycle. This may make it harder for your parent to recognize the difference between daytime and nighttime.
Your parent may also wake repeatedly during the night or have difficulty getting the deep, restorative sleep they need. When nighttime rest is interrupted, increased tiredness during the day is a natural consequence.
There is another factor to consider, too. As dementia advances, ordinary activities can take considerably more physical and mental energy. A conversation, getting dressed, eating a meal, or taking a brief walk may require more effort than it once did. That additional effort can leave your parent feeling exhausted and needing more time to rest.
As the disease progresses, longer daytime naps and increased total sleep may therefore become part of your parent’s new normal.
How Much Sleep Is Too Much?
There is no universal number of hours that means a person with dementia is definitely sleeping too much. Someone may sleep considerably longer than they did before developing dementia, especially as the condition reaches its later stages. In some cases, that increase is simply a reflection of how the disease is progressing.
Rather than focusing entirely on the clock, pay attention to your parent’s overall sleep pattern.
Has your parent been gradually sleeping more over the past several months? Or did they suddenly begin sleeping significantly longer within the last day or two? A gradual change may be consistent with dementia progression, while a sudden change can be a reason to investigate further.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
Although sleeping more can be expected with dementia, an abrupt or significant change in sleep habits should not automatically be attributed to the disease. Excessive sleepiness can sometimes be caused by another health issue, medication, or condition that may be treatable.
Contact your parent’s healthcare provider if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Your parent suddenly starts sleeping considerably more than usual.
- They are unusually difficult to wake or appear noticeably less alert.
- They recently began taking a new medication or had the dosage of an existing medication increased or changed.
- They have a fever, appear to be experiencing pain, show signs of dehydration, or may have an infection.
- They sleep so much that they regularly miss meals or do not drink enough fluids.
- Their increased sleepiness occurs alongside a significant increase in confusion or a noticeable change in behavior.
A variety of issues, including infections, medication side effects, depression, dehydration, and other medical conditions, can cause someone to become unusually sleepy. When a major change happens suddenly, talking with a healthcare provider is the safest way to determine whether something beyond dementia may be contributing.
How to Help Your Parent Sleep Better
You cannot necessarily stop the sleep changes associated with dementia, but certain routines and activities may help support healthier sleep habits.
- Maintain a predictable schedule. Encourage your parent to wake, eat meals, participate in activities, and go to bed at approximately the same times each day. Consistency can help support the body’s natural sleep-wake rhythm.
- Make daylight part of the day. Spending time outside or sitting near a bright, sunny window provides natural light that helps regulate the body’s internal clock and may make nighttime sleep easier.
- Encourage gentle daytime activity. A brief walk, favorite music, folding laundry, watering plants, or another familiar activity provides stimulation during the day and potentially reduces excessive daytime napping.
- Establish a peaceful nighttime routine. Lowering the lights, minimizing noise, and avoiding overly stimulating activities as bedtime approaches can help signal that it is time to wind down.
- Track changes in sleep. If your parent begins sleeping substantially more than usual, make a note of when the change started and record any other symptoms or behavioral changes. Having this information available can help the healthcare provider determine whether further evaluation may be appropriate.
What to Expect
One of the most challenging aspects of dementia is its ongoing progression. Just when you feel like you understand what to expect, another change may appear. Your parent’s memory may decline further, familiar routines may need to be modified, or their sleeping habits may shift again.
Knowing that changes in sleep can be a part of dementia does not necessarily make them easier to accept. However, understanding what can be typical can help make those changes feel less alarming. It also allows you to recognize when something seems different enough to warrant medical attention.
More Peace of Mind Starts Here
Dementia can bring new questions and concerns at every stage, and it is not always possible to anticipate what will change next. Having knowledgeable support can make it easier to recognize important changes, maintain familiar routines, and provide your parent with the assistance they need.
If you’re looking for additional support, Home Health Companions is here to help throughout University Park, Westlake, Plano, and communities across North Texas and the DFW area. Call us at 214-295-8213 any time to learn more about our in-home dementia care services.