People with dementia tend to have problems sleeping, with up to half of patients with severe dementia experiencing sleep disturbances. As the dementia progresses, so too does the severity of their sleep disturbances.
One of the most common reasons why dementia patients have trouble sleeping is a phenomenon called “sundowning.” Taking place in the evening or during the night, people with dementia who are experiencing sundowning might feel confused, restless, agitated, anxious and aggressive.
Here are several additional reasons why people with dementia might have trouble sleeping at night:
A need for less sleep, which is common among older adults.
Changes in the body clock.
Disorientation.
Mental and physical exhaustion at the end of the day.
Reduced lighting and increased shadows, which can cause people with dementia to become confused and afraid.