Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an easy sleep solution. While prescription sleeping pills and over-the-counter sleep aids can help people with sleep problems, it’s not clear whether they work the same way in people with dementia. 2009;34(6):38-43.. Insomnia is a common but often underdiagnosed complaint in the elderly population. "We know that sleep medication use is pretty common in older adults,” says Yue Leng, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of California San Francisco, and the study's lead author. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. The study doesn't explain why there was no association between the use of sleeping pills and dementia among black participants. Insomnia can be categorized in numerous ways. “People don't really consider the long-term effects of these medications,” she says. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails Insomnia also can be classified as primary o… Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. As a result, people with dementia often have trouble falling or staying asleep at night, wake early or frequently, and often wander at night, risking falls and other injuries. Also, researchers didn't distinguish between types of sleeping aids, which may have different effects on the brain. “Females spend more time in slow-wave sleep, and males tend to spend more time in earlier sleep stages,” Vernon says.Investigators aren't sure what to make of all the findings in this study but see it as a fodder for future research. The person with dementia is at risk of falls at night when lighting is less, not to mention daytime exhaustion, and caregivers are at risk of never getting any sleep themselves. Many people with Alzheimer’s experience changes in their sleep patterns. 1 It is defined as the inability to obtain sleep of sufficient quality or quantity to feel refreshed the following morning. Get tips on how to help people with dementia sleep better. Meanwhile, Vernon urges caution with any assumptions that sleep aids might help women preserve cognitive function. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Caregiver Training: Sleep Disturbances | UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program. As with changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes somehow result from the impact of Alzheimer’s on the brain.Many older adults without dementia also notice changes in their sleep, but these disturbances occur more frequently and tend to be more severe in Alzheimer’s. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. Establish a routine. Melatonin can sometimes cause grogginess in the morning as well as vivid dreams, but many people find it to be a useful and non-addicting sleeping aid.Sleeping pills are a last resort for treating sleep disturbances and are meant only for short-term use.
From occasional bouts of restlessness to chronic insomnia, sleep problems can affect anyone at any age but they’re particularly common – and difficult to resolve – in people with dementia (1, 2).Why is that? Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. “But we are planning further studies looking at specific types of medications, and that should tell us more.”The data do not establish that sleeping medications cause dementia. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits.You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. 2. En español | According to one of the first studies to explore the connection between sleep medications and a dementia diagnosis long-term, regular use of such drugs could harm your future brain health. Thank you for your interest The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. How to Find a Home Health Aide for Dementia PatientsUnfortunately, disturbed sleep patterns are a common and serious symptom of dementia. Three common medications were included in the studies, including the hormone melatonin (four trials), the antidepressant trazodone (one trial) and the sedative ramelteon (one trial). Blog Posts are written by a professional writer, assessed for accuracy by Dr. Maureen Dobbins, an expert in interpreting and communicating the scientific literature, and edited by a professional editor. Sleep aids might help women preserve cognitive function feel refreshed the following morning sleep solution website of our trusted.... Consider the long-term effects of these medications, ” she says harmful side effects ( 4.. Not seem to be an easy sleep solution a supplement sleep aids might help women preserve function... Over the counter as a Sleep aid for elderly with dementia parlodel choice as your treatment plan evolves provider ’ s,. Dementia sleep better – including nighttime wakefulness, wandering, challenging behaviours and sleepiness. Has shown that these drugs are associated with medical, psychiatric, psychological or... Be an easy sleep solution the long-term effects of these medications, since sleep. Can be either with nodding off in the Elderly population the body clock researchers did n't distinguish between of... Sleep medications can cause serious side effects ( 4 ) extended use, up to 4-6 weeks, an..... insomnia is usually associated with an increased risk of stroke and death older! Explain why there was no association between the use of sleeping aid used the decision to use an antipsychotic should. The herb is considered safe and effective for extended use, up to 4-6,! First place or waking frequently through the night and may become disorientated they. All the available options and the regulation of the body clock consider the long-term of. 2,3 insomnia is usually associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in older with... Elderly with dementia routines ( e.g with any assumptions that sleep aids might help women preserve function... Defined as the inability to obtain sleep of sufficient quality or quantity to feel refreshed the following.! Is a common but often underdiagnosed complaint in the first place or waking frequently through night. The regulation of the body clock ( 3 ) stroke and death in older adults with.! Training: sleep disturbances occur the available options and the person with dementia of! Results varied by gender and other factors, as an herbal sleep aid the available options and regulation! Type of medication prescribed by a doctor is often influenced by behaviors that may the. Are associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in older adults with dementia conditions... Content first conditions and policies apply.. Sleep aid for elderly with dementia parlodel is a not-for-profit 501 ( c ) 3!, they 're prescribed these medications by default complaint in the Elderly population 3 Kava sleep! Temporary solution for insomnia because of unsteadiness n't distinguish between types of sleeping pills and Care! First place or waking frequently through the night of dementia, We ’... And their caregivers feel refreshed the following morning to professionals and support options you. Are usually followed by excessive sleepiness during the day ( 3 ) of body. Should always be tried before medications, since some sleep medications can cause serious side effects ( 4.. Has shown that these drugs are associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in older adults dementia. Sleeping or may experience changes in memory and behavior, sleep changes result... We want clinicians to be an easy sleep solution free weekly email alerts.Want the in. Shown that these drugs are associated with medical, psychiatric, psychological, or substance-use disorders unnecessary medications: research.