How Does Dementia Affect Sleep? Tips for Managing Night-Time Behaviour
Dementia can change a person’s sleep pattern, causing them to wake frequently, sleep during the day, become confused at night, or wander around the home.
These changes can be difficult for both the person living with dementia and their family caregiver. Understanding the possible causes can make night-time behaviour easier to manage.
Why Does Dementia Affect Sleep?
Dementia can disrupt the brain’s internal body clock, making it harder to recognize the difference between day and night. Some people may sleep for long periods during the day and remain awake at night.
Other possible causes include:
- Pain or discomfort
- Medication side effects
- Anxiety or depression
- Needing to use the bathroom
- Hunger or thirst
- Too much daytime sleep
- Limited physical activity
- An uncomfortable bedroom
Common Night-Time Behaviours
A person living with dementia may:
- Wake repeatedly during the night
- Become confused about the time
- Walk or wander around the home
- Try to leave the house
- Call out for family members
- Dress and prepare for the day
- Become restless or anxious
- Wake very early in the morning
Confusion and restlessness may also become worse later in the day, sometimes called sundowning.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Encourage your loved one to wake up, eat meals, complete activities, and go to bed at similar times each day.
A predictable routine can reduce confusion and help support a healthier sleep-wake cycle.
Encourage Daytime Activity
Gentle walks, household activities, hobbies, and social interaction can help reduce daytime sleeping and support better rest at night.
Avoid long or late-afternoon naps when possible.
Create a Calm Evening Environment
Reduce noise, bright lights, television, and stimulating activities before bedtime.
A familiar bedtime routine, such as changing clothes, listening to quiet music, or having a warm drink without caffeine, may help the person relax.
Make the Bedroom Safe
Use nightlights to make the bathroom and hallway easier to find. Remove clutter, secure doors where appropriate, and keep walking paths clear.
Consider a motion sensor or alert system if your loved one is at risk of wandering.
Respond Calmly to Confusion
If the person wakes and believes it is daytime, avoid arguing or correcting them harshly.
Speak gently, offer reassurance, and guide them back to a familiar activity or bed. Calm communication can help reduce anxiety.
Check for Physical Causes
Sudden changes in sleep or behaviour may be caused by pain, infection, medication, or another health issue rather than dementia alone. Contact a healthcare professional when behaviour changes suddenly or continues to worsen.
Do not give sleeping medication unless it has been recommended by a qualified healthcare provider.
Consider Overnight Care
Frequent waking can leave family caregivers exhausted and unable to provide safe care during the day.
Overnight home care can provide supervision, toileting assistance, mobility support, reassurance, and help managing wandering while family members rest.
Overnight Dementia Care in Calgary
Managing dementia-related sleep problems can be challenging, but families do not have to handle them alone.
Cnurses provides dementia care and overnight home care in Calgary, helping seniors remain safe and supported throughout the night.
Contact Cnurses to discuss a flexible care plan for your loved one.