Sleep problems in Alzheimer's and other dementias
Some people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia may have trouble sleeping at night. To combat this problem:
- Keep the person awake and active during the day. Discourage napping unless doing so causes more problems.
- Late afternoon exercise may be helpful.
- Offer warm milk or caffeine-free herbal tea before bedtime.
- If it seems to relax the person, give him or her a bath close to bedtime.
For more information on how to improve sleeping patterns, see the topic Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older.
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis | Last Updated: June 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology | |
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