The Impact of Dementia on Sleep

Dementia is a major contributor to sleep disturbance in the elderly population. The impact of dementia on sleep quality, pattern, and duration can be very serious, leading to an interfered quality of life. As dementia progresses, sleep disturbances can increase and worsen, with a sustained negative impact on the overall quality of life.

The challenge with dementia is that sleep issues can lead to further mental and physical health problems, which in turn can further disturb an individual’s sleeping habits. To be able to improve the individual’s quality of life, it is therefore vital to effectively interact with the symptoms of dementia and to manage sleep disturbances.

For individuals with dementia, dementia-related changes such as confusion and wandering can further affect sleep, and it is therefore essential for caregivers to thoroughly evaluate the sleeping preferences and routines of demented individuals. By doing so, a suitable solution can be provided to meet their sleep requirements resulting in increased wellbeing.

Sleep Affecting Dementia Symptoms

Sleep disturbance can negatively influence mood and behaviour. Individuals with dementia are at risk of experiencing depression, aggression, agitation and restlessness that can eventually affect their sleeping habits. Poor sleep has the potential to worsen dementia symptoms and to further affect the quality of life, leading to an exaggerated dissatisfaction in the individual’s emotional and physical state.

Moreover, sleeping and wakeful hours can become more unpredictable for individuals with dementia. As dementia progresses, sleeping and waking periods may alternate, leading to a disrupted sleep-wake cycle which can result in an inability to appropriately respond to environmental stimuli. This disruption of the circadian rhythm can cause changes in behaviour and an increase in restlessness.

Strategies for Sleep Maintenance

It is possible to introduce a routine catered to the individual’s preferences to counteract erratic sleeping patterns and to help promote better sleep. Good sleep hygiene such as limiting daytime naps, reducing light and sound, managing wakeful activities during the day, and providing assurance and relaxation to the individual at night can be helpful in maintaining a more consistent sleep pattern.

Adding regular gentle exercise into the individual’s day can also help with the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle, as well as the prevention of confusion and disorientation. A regular and continuous activity cycle is important to minimize confusion and anxiety, resulting in an improved quality and consistency of sleep.

Although there is no cure for dementia, the caregiver can establish a stress-free environment that is necessary for providing a comfortable night’s sleep. For example, providing more natural light during the day and avoiding too much noise at night. Creating a secure, comforting atmosphere and reassuring the individual can be a key contributor to improved, more satisfying sleep.

Treatments for Sleep

• Cognitive and behavioural approaches – such as making changes to the patient’s environment and providing assurances of safety
• Herbal medications – including the use of melatonin supplements to improve the regularity of sleeping and waking patterns
• Prescription medications – such as sleeping pills which can have potentially adverse side-effects

Conclusion

The impact of dementia on sleep can have a very serious effect on the individual’s mental and physical health. By creating a suitable routine for the individual and addressing sleep disturbances promptly, people living with dementia can have a higher quality of life overall.