The clocks have gone back: helping someone with dementia sleep better
The clocks went back on Sunday, and the evenings are now darker earlier. For many people living with dementia, changes in the brain make it harder to tell day from night, so this time of year can bring more restless evenings and broken nights. If you care for someone, you may notice it.
Poor sleep affects all of us, but a bad night can make confusion, anxiety and agitation worse the next day for a person living with dementia, and can raise the risk of a fall. It is hard on carers too. When you have been up in the night, the day is harder.
What can help
Morning light and movement. Some time outdoors and a bit of activity in the morning can help the body clock.
Short naps, earlier in the day. Long or late naps can make it harder to sleep at night.
Calmer evenings. Dim the lights gradually and use warm lamps. Keep the television down and clear away clutter. Mirrors and shiny surfaces can be misread in low light, so consider covering or moving them.
A regular wind-down. A warm bath, a decaf cup of tea, gentle music or a hand massage can all signal that bedtime is close. Cut back on caffeine from the afternoon.
Check comfort. Pain, thirst, hunger and needing the toilet are common reasons for waking.
If they wake up distressed, keep your voice calm and your words simple. Reassurance works far better than correcting or reasoning, even when what they say doesn’t make sense.
You can find more ideas, including seven ways to help someone feel calmer at night, in our blog How to help when someone with dementia becomes agitated.
Has it changed suddenly?
If sleep or confusion gets worse over a few days rather than gradually, it could be delirium. This needs medical attention, so contact the GP or NHS 111 straight away.
You don’t have to manage this alone
Please don’t wait until things feel unmanageable. Your health matters too. Our Carer Support Team is here to talk things through.
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