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Caregiver Tip Sheets
Sleeping
Sleeping problems are common for people living with Alzheimer’s
or other dementias. Many people are restless at night and feel
tired during the day. Poor sleep can also lead to other health
problems.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
WHY DOES
KEEP A REGULAR SCHEDULE
THIS HAPPEN?
• begin each morning at the same time and the same way
Changes in sleep can • keep them as active as possible during the day-walks,
happen for many reasons: gardening, and other daytime activity is good
• avoid naps later in the day
• changes in the brain may
cause the body’s natural • make sure to keep the same relaxing routine before bedtime
“clock” to change – the
body can feel awake OTHER THINGS YOU CAN DO
during the night and • provide as much bright light as possible during the day
sleepy during the day • if they really want to be up at night, do not force them to be
in bed or to sleep
• pain from ar thritis or
other illnesses can wake • keep everything quiet and dark at nights
the person • help them avoid drinking coffee, tea, or soda with caffeine
after 2PM
• the person needs to go
to the bathroom • give less liquids in the evening
• keep a light on in the bathroom to avoid accidents
• the person may have • massages may help some people
problems breathing while
they sleep; this can cause SPEAK WITH A DOCTOR IF:
loud snoring
• they have pain
• feeling very sad or • they snore badly
nervous can wake the • they go to the bathroom a lot
person
• they seem very sad or nervous
Don’t use sleep medicines of any kind without speaking with a
doctor first. Sleep medicines can cause confusion and falls.
844.HELP. ALZ
AlzheimersLA.org
© 2019 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90ADPI0024-01-00)
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