Sleep changes are common in people living with dementia. You or your loved one may notice restlessness at night, waking frequently, or difficulty falling asleep. These disruptions can affect overall health, mood and wellbeing. While they are a normal part of the condition, there are ways to manage and improve sleep patterns to make nights calmer and days more comfortable.
At Country Cousins, our live-in carers work with families to provide practical strategies and emotional support. Below, we explore common causes of sleep disruption in dementia, tips to improve rest, and how professional care can make a difference.
Understanding Sleep Disruptions in Dementia
Dementia affects the brain in ways that can alter natural sleep cycles. Many people experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep through the night. Some may wake early in the morning or be awake and active in the hours when most people are resting.
Sleep disruption can also be caused by other health conditions, medication side effects, pain, anxiety or environmental factors. Identifying the cause can help in finding the most effective strategies for better sleep.
Common Causes of Sleep Problems
Sleep disruptions in dementia can happen for several reasons, including:
- Changes to the internal body clock – The brain’s natural sleep-wake cycle can be affected, making it hard to fall asleep at night and stay asleep.
- Anxiety or agitation – Feelings of stress or confusion, which are common in dementia, can make it difficult to settle down at night.
- Medication and health conditions – Some medications or underlying health problems such as pain, urinary issues, or respiratory conditions can interrupt sleep.
- Lack of physical activity – Limited movement or inactivity during the day can affect tiredness and make it harder to sleep at night.
- Environmental factors – Excessive noise, poor lighting, uncomfortable bedding or temperature extremes can disturb rest.
Tips to Improve Sleep
While sleep disruptions cannot always be completely eliminated, there are practical steps that can help improve rest.
- Maintain a consistent routine – Going to bed and waking at similar times every day helps regulate the body clock. Encourage familiar routines such as reading, gentle stretches, or listening to calming music before bed.
- Create a comfortable sleep environment – Keep bedrooms quiet, cool, and dark at night. Soft lighting can be used if the person becomes unsettled. Ensure bedding is comfortable and easy to get in and out of.
- Encourage daytime activity – Regular movement during the day can improve sleep at night. Gentle exercises, walks, or light household tasks can help maintain energy levels and support a healthy sleep cycle.
- Limit stimulants in the evening – Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks, and heavy meals close to bedtime. Alcohol can also disrupt sleep, so it is best consumed earlier in the day or avoided.
- Reduce daytime naps – While short naps can be helpful, long daytime sleep can make it harder to rest at night. Encourage activity and engagement during the day to promote sleepiness in the evening.
- Manage anxiety and confusion – Calm reassurance and familiar routines can help reduce anxiety that interferes with sleep. Gentle music, a favourite bedtime story, or a warm drink can create a relaxing bedtime ritual.
- Use lighting wisely – Bright light in the morning can help reset the body clock and support daytime alertness. Dim lighting in the evening encourages the body to prepare for rest.
When Night-Time Waking Occurs
It is common for someone with dementia to wake during the night. Handling this calmly and consistently can prevent escalation.
- Speak softly and reassure them.
- Avoid unnecessary stimulation or excitement.
- Guide them back to bed gently.
- Check for physical needs, such as a drink of water or a trip to the bathroom.
Keeping a notebook to record patterns can help identify triggers and plan strategies with healthcare professionals.
Professional Support Can Help
Live-in carers can make a significant difference for people experiencing sleep disruption. At Country Cousins, our trained carers provide round-the-clock support and reassurance. This can include:
- Helping maintain regular routines
- Supporting evening relaxation strategies
- Monitoring health and medication effects on sleep
- Providing reassurance during night-time waking
- Offering companionship and reducing feelings of isolation or anxiety
Professional carers allow families to rest easy knowing their loved one is safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the night.
Additional Strategies to Support Sleep
- Comfortable clothing and bedding – Soft, breathable fabrics and familiar bedding can reduce discomfort and help relaxation.
- Calming activities before bed – Gentle reading, listening to music, or quiet crafts can help transition from daytime activity to sleep.
- Adjusting evening lighting and noise – Dim lighting and reduced noise signals that it is time to wind down. Night lights can prevent disorientation if the person needs to get up.
- Monitoring food and drink – Ensure they are not going to bed hungry or overly full. Warm drinks like caffeine-free herbal tea can be soothing.
Signs to Seek Further Advice
While many sleep disruptions are part of dementia, certain symptoms may require professional input:
- Frequent and intense agitation or aggression at night
- Severe insomnia affecting daytime function
- Persistent confusion or hallucinations at night
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns
A GP, dementia specialist, or occupational therapist can provide guidance and tailor solutions to individual needs.
How Country Cousins Can Help
At Country Cousins, our live-in carers are trained in dementia care and understand the challenges of sleep disruption. We provide personalised support for clients and their families, helping improve rest, wellbeing, and daily comfort.
Our carers can:
- Encourage structured routines
- Monitor and support medication schedules
- Offer reassurance and calm during night-time waking
- Provide companionship and engagement
- Tailor care plans to meet individual needs
With professional support, families can feel confident their loved one is safe and cared for throughout the night.
Talk to Our Team Today
Country Cousins has been providing live-in care across the UK since 1959. We specialise in dementia care and offer compassionate, personalised support from the comfort of your loved one’s home.
Call us on 01293 224 706 from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, or contact us via our online enquiry form. Our team is here to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you explore the care options available.
