When Alzheimer’s entered your family, life hasn’t been the same again, has it? But you and your loved one with Alzheimer’s are not alone in this battle. In fact, if your loved one prefers a more peaceful avenue as they cope with the illness, they can come to our assisted living facility in San Diego, California.
Presently, there are many accessible resources, support groups, and online information that can assist you in managing the condition and caring for your loved one. As a provider of Alzheimer’s and memory care, we would like to impart this essential information on sleep changes that occur in Alzheimer’s patients.
- Common sleep disturbances
According to Alzheimer’s Association, the changes in sleeping patterns of a patient have no definite scientific cause. But it’s a common observation that an Alzheimer’s patient will experience changes in their sleeping patterns. Some have difficulty getting good sleep at night. Others go through agitation in the early evening, so that sleeping is not possible. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s and they manifest these changes, it will help to exercise patience in understanding what they’re going through.
- Clinical factors for sleep disturbances
These changes in sleeping patterns need to undergo medical checkup. Doctors can provide diagnosis on possible reasons. The common medical explanations for sleep disturbances in patients with Alzheimer’s include depression, tingling sensation or the crawling feelings on the legs, and sleep apnea.
- Non-medical treatments
For your loved one with Alzheimer’s, the best you can do is provide a sleep-inducing environment for them such as the following:
- Maintaining a bedtime routine
- Getting out in the sunshine
- Playing calm music in the background
- Dimming the room (or whichever is more preferred by your loved one)
- Staying away from food, drinks, or activities that can help to stay awake just before bedtime
You can also opt to relocate your loved ones to assisted living facilities where they can be cared for properly. These facilities have amenities that could help in getting quality sleep.
- Medical treatments
There are also medical treatments for Alzheimer’s patients to go to sleep. These are doctor-prescribed medications especially if the patient will exhibit aggressive behavior when they lack sufficient amount of sleep. It’s vital that these medications are given only under the advice or clearance of their physician.
The journey of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is not bleak, however. There are many wonderful moments to cherish, especially when your loved one’s memory is in good condition.
At Acorn Oaks Manor, we value your love and concern for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. For this reason, our team exercises full dedication in serving our residents so that you can have the peace of mind when your loved one is not physically with you. We invite you to visit our dementia care facility in San Diego, set an appointment with us, and talk with our staff so you can relax in knowing with whom and where your loved one will be.