My wife has dementia and has sleep problems - Care Community

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My wife has dementia and has sleep problems

Dagocyprus profile image
12 Replies

When my wife goes to bed at the end of the day she can take up to 3 to 4 hours to trying to get sleep. Any knowledge or known solutions to this problem.

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Dagocyprus profile image
Dagocyprus
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12 Replies

This is a common symptom of dementia, getting times muddled. I would suggest having a chat with your doctor to see if he can prescribe a mild sleeping pill for a few weeks to try to get her back into a good routine.

Dagocyprus profile image
Dagocyprus in reply to

Many thanks, my doctor changed medication but unsuccessful. I will go back for some other medicine.

EM1234 profile image
EM1234

This is common with dementia.. are you able to take her for a walk or something a few hours before bed to wear her out?

Dagocyprus profile image
Dagocyprus in reply to EM1234

Tried that walking the dog, She enjoys it but I better get her to walk further to see if it tires her out. Many thanks

AliBee1 profile image
AliBee1

Hi.

Sadly, little concept of time is a common problem but I have found that having a really regular routine for going to bed has helped with my husband, even down to a little bit of dark chocolate before we go upstairs and a drink of milk. I also give him his book to read but I am sure he cannot read and understand now as he looks at the same page for ages but it is what he always used to do.

I have also bought black out curtains and I play some gentle music whist we are getting him ready for bed. Sadly this does not help if he wakes in the middle of the night but a glass of milk and the book does help sometimes.

I hope you will find a solution.

Dagocyprus profile image
Dagocyprus in reply to AliBee1

She does have a good routine goes to bed every night at the same time etc but just lying and says is trying to sleep but can't. I have blackout curtains, I will keep trying anything to help her. I am fortunate in that she is a happy person and still retains her sense of humour. Thank you

AliBee1 profile image
AliBee1 in reply to Dagocyprus

Sorry could not help any further. Good luck.

5855 profile image
5855

Had the same problem with my mum , tried everything , and these winter months , when it's dark by 4pm she goes to bed and awake in the middle of night , we've tried most everything , and the best so far is The Trazadone they're trying her on now , I have to give it her an hour before bed time , she does sleep about 5-6 hrs but that's it , but it's better than nothing , I just hope it keeps working for a while , she's much better in spring and summer ,hope you find something soon

Dagocyprus profile image
Dagocyprus

It is nice to have people like yourself respond to my predicament, not alone, hope to resolve this situation soon. Many thanks

Nannymo1 profile image
Nannymo1

My husbands grandmother lived until she was 98 . Never took a tablet or had an injection. Always had a drop of brandy in hot water and little sugar. Swore that was all you needed. Have tried it now I am in my eighties, Have honey instead of sugar does help me sleep with my arthuritus

Dagocyprus profile image
Dagocyprus in reply to Nannymo1

Unfortunately my wife won't drink alcohol but I may try and persuade her to try it. Many thanks

stephaniebarro profile image
stephaniebarro

Sleep problem is common in dementia patience, there are many other problems they deal with, hence they need extra care and support. This was the reason my best friends were searching for best memory care in town to provide her mother with 24x7 care. While exploring online she found jchcorp.org/alzheimers-care... a reputed memory care. If you want, you can take the advice and tips from professionals.

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