It can be unsettling when your parent begins spending more and more of the day asleep. Perhaps they doze off in their chair shortly after eating breakfast, take several long naps throughout the afternoon, or start turning in for the night much earlier than they once did. Dementia and sleep changes often go hand in hand, but is this normal?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. Increased sleep can be a normal part of dementia, particularly as the condition advances. However, a sudden change in your parent’s sleep habits can sometimes indicate that another health concern needs attention.
Instead of focusing only on the number of hours your parent sleeps, look at the bigger picture. Changes in their usual sleep pattern can tell you much more.
Why Sleep Changes With Dementia
Dementia can affect far more than memory and thinking. As the condition progresses, it can also interfere with the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness.
Most older adults typically need approximately seven to nine hours of sleep at night. A person with dementia, however, may eventually sleep for 13 to 15 hours over the course of a full day. While that may seem like an excessive amount of rest, it can occur as part of the progression of dementia and does not necessarily indicate a medical emergency.
One reason is that dementia can disrupt the body’s internal sleep-wake cycle. Your parent may no longer clearly recognize when it is daytime or nighttime. They may wake repeatedly during the night, have trouble falling asleep, or simply fail to get enough restorative rest.
The result can be significant daytime fatigue. If your parent has been awake on and off throughout the night, sleeping during the day may be their body’s way of trying to catch up.
Dementia can also make everyday tasks more demanding. Activities that once seemed effortless may now require considerable concentration and energy. Getting dressed, eating, having a conversation, taking a short walk, or participating in another familiar activity can leave your parent tired.
As dementia advances, it is therefore not unusual for a person to need more opportunities to rest. Longer naps and increased overall sleep may become part of their routine.
How Much Sleep Is Too Much?
There is no magic number that determines when a person with dementia is sleeping too much. Every individual is different, and sleep needs can change as dementia progresses.
Your parent may eventually sleep substantially more than they did before developing dementia, especially during the later stages. That increase alone does not necessarily mean there is a problem.
A better approach is to become familiar with your parent’s typical pattern and watch for meaningful deviations from it.
For example, consider whether their sleep has been increasing slowly over several months. A gradual progression may simply reflect changes associated with dementia. On the other hand, if your parent suddenly starts sleeping much longer than usual within a day or two, it is worth paying closer attention.
The difference between a gradual shift and an abrupt change can be important.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
More sleep is not automatically a cause for concern, but significant or sudden changes should not always be blamed on dementia. Excessive drowsiness can sometimes stem from another condition, a medication, or a health problem that may require treatment.
Reach out to your parent’s healthcare provider if you notice any of these changes:
- Your parent suddenly begins sleeping for substantially longer periods than usual.
- They are difficult to wake or seem considerably less alert when awake.
- They recently began taking a medication or had the dosage of an existing medication changed.
- They develop a fever or appear to have pain, dehydration, or an infection.
- They are sleeping so much that they are frequently missing meals or failing to drink enough fluids.
- Their increased sleepiness occurs along with worsening confusion or an obvious change in their behavior.
Several issues can cause excessive sleepiness in an older adult. Infections, medication side effects, depression, dehydration, and other medical conditions may all play a role.
That is why it is important not to automatically assume that a sudden increase in sleep is simply another symptom of dementia. A healthcare provider can help determine whether your parent’s change in alertness or sleep pattern deserves further evaluation.
How to Help Your Parent Sleep Better
Although you cannot completely prevent sleep disturbances associated with dementia, you can encourage habits that support a more consistent day-and-night routine.
- Stick with a regular schedule. Try to keep wake-up times, meals, activities, and bedtime relatively consistent from one day to the next. A predictable routine can help reinforce healthy circadian rhythms.
- Expose your parent to natural light. Opening the curtains, sitting near a sunny window, or spending some time outside during the day can provide helpful daylight exposure. Natural light can help the body distinguish between daytime and nighttime.
- Build activity into the daytime. Your parent does not need to participate in strenuous exercise. A short walk, listening to familiar songs, watering flowers, folding towels, or another enjoyable activity can help provide stimulation and reduce some daytime sleeping.
- Make evenings quieter and calmer. As bedtime approaches, lower the lights, reduce background noise, and avoid activities that may be overly stimulating. A peaceful routine can help your parent transition toward sleep.
- Keep track of noticeable changes. If your parent begins sleeping more than usual, record when you first noticed the change. Write down how long they are sleeping and whether you notice other symptoms, changes in alertness, or behavioral differences. These observations can be useful when speaking with their healthcare provider.
What to Expect
Dementia is a progressive condition, which means your parent’s needs and abilities can continue to change. This can be one of the most difficult parts of caring for someone with dementia. Once you become comfortable with a particular routine, another change may require you to adapt.
Your parent’s memory may worsen. Activities that were once familiar may become more challenging. Their daily schedule may need to be adjusted. And their sleeping habits may change again.
These changes can be emotionally difficult, even when you understand that they are associated with dementia. Knowing what may be expected can help reduce some of the uncertainty. Just as importantly, knowing what represents a significant departure from your parent’s usual pattern can help you recognize when it may be time to contact their healthcare provider.
Find Your Peace of Mind
There is no way to remove every uncertainty that comes with dementia. However, having dependable support can make day-to-day caregiving more manageable. An experienced care team can help you understand changes in your parent’s routine, identify concerns that may need additional attention, and provide assistance with everyday care.
If your family could use additional support, JFS Care is available to help throughout Sherman Oaks, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the Los Angeles area. Call 213-383-2273 any time to learn more about our in-home dementia care services and how we can help your parent remain comfortable and supported at home.