Click the icon to the left or here to receive a copy. This requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. For more information click here . This sheet discusses some of the causes of sleeping problems and provides some suggestions for carers to help manage this common, yet distressing problem. Problems with sleeping are a common occurrence with people with dementia.
Some people sleep during the day and are awake and restless at night.
Some are no longer able to tell the difference between night and day, while others are simply not as active as they used to be and therefore need less sleep. This will help decide on which strategies may be helpful. Some carers find that keeping a log or diary may help them to see the pattern of behaviour which may be developing, enabling the problem to be pinpointed. A urinary tract infection which causes a frequent need to urinate Restless legs or leg cramps which can indicate a metabolic problem Depression which causes early morning wakening and an inability to get back to sleep Side effects of medication such as diuretics Sleep apnoea and snoring Need for less sleep as a person gets older What to try Discuss with the doctor stopping or changing diuretic medication as this may be contributing to the problem. Arrange a medical check-up to identify and treat physical symptoms.