What Oversleeping Can Mean for People with Dementia & How to Help

Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. It allows our body to rest and recharge, repairing any damage that may have occurred during the day. However, sleep disturbances are common for people with dementia and can significantly impact their daily lives.

One of the most common sleep issues among individuals with dementia is oversleeping. This refers to sleeping more than the recommended 7-9 hours per night.

While oversleeping may seem harmless, it can have negative consequences for people with dementia. Oversleeping in people with dementia can exacerbate cognitive decline and contribute to increased confusion and disorientation upon waking. It may also lead to isolation, as excessive sleep can interfere with daily activities and social interactions.

Understanding Dementia & Its Impact on Sleep

Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is a progressive condition that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all cases.

As the disease progresses, people with dementia may experience changes in their sleep patterns. This can include difficulty falling or staying asleep, increased daytime drowsiness, and oversleeping.

Causes of Oversleeping in People with Dementia

Several factors contribute to oversleeping in individuals with dementia, making it important to understand these influences for better management of their condition. These may include:

Changes in the Brain

Dementia leads to significant changes in the brain, particularly in areas that regulate sleep and wakefulness. As these regions become damaged, individuals may experience irregular sleep patterns, resulting in difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking at appropriate times.

This disruption in the sleep-wake cycle can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness and prolonged nighttime sleep.

Medications

Many individuals with dementia are prescribed medications to help manage various symptoms, such as anxiety, agitation, or cognitive decline. However, some of these medications can have sedative side effects, causing drowsiness and potentially leading to oversleeping.

Caregivers and healthcare providers must monitor these effects and adjust medications to minimize their impact on sleep.

Depression

Depression is a common comorbidity in people with dementia and can significantly affect sleep patterns. Symptoms of depression, such as loss of interest in activities or low energy, may lead to increased sleep duration as individuals withdraw from social interactions and engage less in stimulating activities.

This emotional state can create a vicious cycle where oversleeping exacerbates feelings of isolation and sadness.

Lack of Physical Activity

As dementia progresses, individuals often become less physically active due to cognitive decline or mobility issues. This reduced level of physical engagement can lead to increased fatigue, making them more prone to oversleeping. Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining energy levels and promoting better sleep quality, so encouraging gentle exercise routines can be beneficial in managing sleep patterns in these individuals.

How to Help

If you have a loved one with dementia who is experiencing oversleeping, there are steps you can take to help improve their sleep habits:

Establish a routine: People with dementia thrive on routine and structure. Establish a consistent bedtime routine for your loved one, including activities like reading or listening to calming music before bed.
Limit daytime napping: While it may be tempting to let your loved one nap during the day if they are tired, this can disrupt their sleep patterns at night. Limit daytime naps to no more than 30 minutes.
Create a comfortable sleeping environment: Ensure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and a comfortable temperature for sleeping. Eliminate any potential distractions or sources of discomfort.
Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality and help reduce oversleeping in people with dementia. Encourage your loved one to engage in gentle physical activities such as walking or yoga.
Speak with a healthcare provider: If oversleeping persists despite implementing these strategies, speak with a healthcare provider specializing in dementia care. They may be able to provide additional recommendations or medication if necessary.
Be patient and understanding: Dealing with oversleeping and other sleep disturbances in people with dementia can be challenging, but it’s important to be patient and understanding. Remember that this is a symptom of the disease and not something your loved one can control.

Enhancing Quality of Life for Those with Dementia at Juniper

Oversleeping is a common symptom of dementia and can greatly impact the quality of life for individuals with this condition. Understanding the potential causes and implementing strategies to improve sleep habits can help your loved one with dementia get better rest and feel more rested during the day.

At Juniper Village at Aurora, we understand the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia and offer support and resources for caregivers. Our memory care program utilizes evidence-based approaches to help manage behavioral symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Cindy Longfellow