{"id":2225,"date":"2023-11-01T21:11:24","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T21:11:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/legacyatsouthplains.com\/?p=2225"},"modified":"2026-01-04T12:21:59","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T17:21:59","slug":"do-people-with-dementia-sleep-a-lot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/the-legacy-at-south-plains-in-lubbock\/blog\/2023\/11\/01\/do-people-with-dementia-sleep-a-lot\/","title":{"rendered":"Do People with Dementia Sleep a Lot?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life activities. It’s a progressive condition that affects memory, behavior, and thinking. A common behavioral symptom in people with dementia is sleep disturbances, which can lead to sleeping a lot<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s important to remember that just because a senior is sleeping more than they usually do doesn\u2019t mean that they are getting the rest that their body needs. And unfortunately, medication isn\u2019t always the answer for helping a senior get \u201cbetter\u201d sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where having a caregiver who understands<\/a> how dementia can affect an individual’s sleep quality can be beneficial. A community that offers memory care services will typically have caregivers who can help support a senior with dementia in everything from their diet to their physical activity<\/a> to lessen negative effects like sleep disturbances and other dementia symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Dementia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dementia<\/a> is a collection of symptoms that can occur when the brain cells are damaged or destroyed. The condition leads to a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, language, and problem-solving skills, which interferes with daily life activities. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and mixed dementia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of Dementia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Researchers believe that dementia is primarily caused by damage to or changes in the brain<\/a>. How these changes occur can vary depending on the type of dementia a senior develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treating Dementia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While there is no cure for dementia, there are several treatment options<\/a> that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals living with the condition. Some of these treatment options include medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and support from family members and caregivers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do People with Dementia Sleep a Lot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleeping \u201ca lot\u201d shouldn\u2019t be confused with quality, restful sleep. A senior with dementia may have difficulty staying asleep for the entire night<\/a>. This is especially common in the later stages of dementia. When a senior cannot get the rest they need during the night because of these sleep disturbances, it can lead to excessive daytime sleepiness, which results in them needing naps throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not uncommon for people with dementia to become more restless and agitated in the evening<\/a>, a condition known as sundowning. This can result in further sleep disturbance and difficulty falling or staying asleep. People with dementia may also experience a phenomenon called “resistance to going to bed,” which means they may stay up later and wake up earlier than they should.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should You Do if Someone You Love Is Sleeping a Lot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s essential to note that people with dementia may also have medical factors contributing to the changes in their sleep patterns. Some things that can result in sleep disturbances include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n