Alzheimer’s and Sleep Problems: What to Expect and How to Help Your Loved One
Alzheimer’s and Sleep Problems: What to Expect and How to Help Your Loved One
If your loved one’s doctor prescribes medicine to help him rest, he’ll probably start at the lowest dose possible and stop the drugs as soon as sleep patterns improve.
Medications include:
Doctors also sometimes prescribe drugs called antipsychotics such as risperidone (Risperdal). They can be helpful, but they also might increase the risk of death in some people with dementia. You’ll want to talk carefully with your loved one’s doctor about this medicine before he takes it.
Just as Alzheimer’s sleep problems can change over the years, so do the ways you can handle it. Always talk to your doctor about which options are best.
As a caregiver, it's just as important for you to get enough shut-eye, so you can take better care of yourself and your loved one.
Many of the same things recommended for people with Alzheimer's can work for you, too:
In this article
Sleep Medications and Alzheimer’s
If your loved one’s doctor prescribes medicine to help him rest, he’ll probably start at the lowest dose possible and stop the drugs as soon as sleep patterns improve.
Medications include:
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as nortriptyline (Pamelor) and trazodone (Oleptro)
- Sleeping pills such as zaleplon (Sonata) and zolpidem (Ambien)
Doctors also sometimes prescribe drugs called antipsychotics such as risperidone (Risperdal). They can be helpful, but they also might increase the risk of death in some people with dementia. You’ll want to talk carefully with your loved one’s doctor about this medicine before he takes it.
Just as Alzheimer’s sleep problems can change over the years, so do the ways you can handle it. Always talk to your doctor about which options are best.
How You Can Get Rest, Too
As a caregiver, it's just as important for you to get enough shut-eye, so you can take better care of yourself and your loved one.
Many of the same things recommended for people with Alzheimer's can work for you, too:
- Keep a regular schedule.
- Get exercise.
- Have a comfortable bedroom and use it only for sleeping.
- If your loved one takes a short nap during the day, take the chance to lie down and rest as well.
- Connect with other caregivers for support. You might feel better talking to others about your situation and hearing their advice.
- Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep a night.
- Try to relax before you go to bed. Muscle relaxation exercises, writing in a journal, or soft music can help.
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