Sleep deprivation can be deadly if experienced over an extended period. Sleep often is thought to be a period of inactivity of the brain, but as we study the brain at sleep, we find that is not true.
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty going to sleep or trouble staying asleep. Both of these conditions lead to feeling tired and not refreshed on arising. There are stages of sleeping that the brain goes through in good sleep so upon awakening we feel refreshed and alert.
In dementia, we often see problems with the sleeping. In fact, studies indicate that 70% of the time caregivers seek institutional care due to sleep disorders in the individual with dementia. The sleep disturbance in the senior disrupts the sleep of the caregiver. The caregiver stays awake to monitor the individual with dementia and becomes sleep deprived just like the senior.
We do not understand the sleep disturbance that comes with dementia, but it is a frequent occurrence. Literature suggests that 24% to 44% of those with Alzheimer’s disease experience sleep disorders. Age in isolation has an increased prevalence of sleep disorder. The neurologic changes in the brain from Alzheimer’s disease exacerbate those differences. Other kinds of dementia have differing sleep disturbance patterns.
Medications used for sleep for those without brain disease are not useful and should be used with caution in those with dementia. Hypnotics, or sleep medications, and tranquilizers should be used judiciously even if it is early in the disease process. These are medications that caregivers often beg the healthcare provider for due to their sleep deprivation. The side effects of these medications can lead to falls, confusion, daytime sleepiness fatigue and increased memory issues.
Some things that can be done with those who have dementia and sleep disturbance include:
Sleep disturbance and sleep and wake cycle issues are fear-inducing and exhausting for the caregiver. This is often seen with dementia and may be seen early in the disease process. Talk to your healthcare care provider and use resources for respite care to take care of yourself.