Various symptoms of dementia might impact a person’s sleeping pattern. One of these is restlessness. For instance, a person with dementia may suffer from restless legs syndrome, which causes them to twitch their legs repetitively even when trying to relax. Another sign of the condition is rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. This condition causes patients to act out their dreams. As a result, a person with dementia could have trouble falling asleep during the night and sleeping excessively during the day. Because of this, an individual can take excessive naps during the day, disrupting their sleep at night.
Activities That Can Aid Loved Ones Suffering from Dementia in Getting a Good Night’s Sleep
A person who has dementia can be coached into having a restful sleep through the use of a variety of techniques. Consider limiting their time in front of electronic screens, as it can keep them awake. It is also helpful to record television shows so you can watch them more conveniently. A relaxing hot bath is another excellent method for inducing sleep. Dim lighting and a soothing massage are other excellent methods for inducing sleep. After you have created a routine for yourself, you can start putting the advice presented earlier into practice.
Dementia Patients Can Benefit From Activities Designed to Calm Their Agitation
You can better manage the irritation of a loved one by engaging in one of the various activities available. Activities that don’t have a right or wrong answer will be the most successful because they will get people involved and make them happy, even though they don’t have to lead to anything. Because of this, activities that include being outside in nature and getting some fresh air are beneficial.
Making Use of a Timer
Your loved one with dementia or other sleeping conditions may benefit from a timer to help them sleep more comfortably. This is helpful if your loved one has restless legs syndrome or sleep apnea and you aren’t getting enough sleep. You can also make the environment in which you sleep less stressful by increasing physical exercise during the day. This can help you get better sleep at night. Your loved one will easily fall asleep if the environment is calm and soothing.
Using a Weighted Blanket
It has been expressed that there are several advantages to providing persons with dementia with a weighted blanket. This particular blanket style is intended to ease anxious feelings and make it easier to fall asleep. Additionally, it is an efficient method of treating restless leg syndrome, a problem that affects many individuals. When the legs become restless, a sensation similar to pins-and-needles or creepy-crawly skin can be felt. The consistent weight of the weighted blanket might help calm an anxious mood and ease agitation in certain people. People who have dementia may benefit from the blanket’s ability to provide a soothing, constant pressure sensation, which can make them feel less anxious.
Making Use of a Bedroom That is Soothing
If your loved one has dementia, a peaceful bedroom is important for their health and well-being. A relaxing and restful night’s sleep is made more accessible by the presence of a dark, chilly, and silent bedroom. An analog clock and other things familiar to you are two examples of things that can help encourage restful sleep. Additionally, the person with dementia must always feel comfortable and secure in their bedroom. Beds should be devoid of dangers such as electric blankets, hot water bottles, and other devices that could injure the individual sleeping there.
Dominic E. is a passionate filmmaker navigating the exciting intersection of art and science. By day, he delves into the complexities of the human body as a full-time medical writer, meticulously translating intricate medical concepts into accessible and engaging narratives. By night, he explores the boundless realm of cinematic storytelling, crafting narratives that evoke emotion and challenge perspectives.
Film Student and Full-time Medical Writer for ContentVendor.com
