If you know someone with Alzheimer’s Disease, they may have a sleep disorder. According to an article published in Frontiers in Neuroscience, 24.5% of all patients who have a mild or moderate form of Alzheimer’s actually are also diagnosed with a sleep disorder. While this is not a majority of patients, it is still considerable enough to discuss what sort of sleep disorders they suffer from, as well as how to manage these sleep challenges.
From insomnia to REM sleep behavior disorder, we’ll discuss each of these disorders and why they are common in patients who have Alzheimer’s Disease. We’ll also explore some management strategies to help alleviate the potential impact of these sleep disorders, ensuring that you or your loved one always enjoys quality rest, regardless of what sleep disorder they may also be struggling with.
1. Insomnia
One of the most common sleep disorders in patients who have Alzheimer’s Disease is insomnia, which can affect up to 35% of those with dementia. This is a startling rate, but it shows just how common this disorder is with patients who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. These patients struggle with increased reliance on caregivers and may also have a lower quality of life because of their inability to sleep adequately. Fortunately, there are ways to manage this to ensure a good night’s rest.
How to Manage Insomnia
When it comes to insomnia in Alzheimer’s patients, people can either choose to implement some lifestyle changes or proceed with medications that can help with sleep. For many patients already on so many medications, sleep education and practicing better sleep practices is the best way to manage insomnia. This means getting exposure to daytime light outside, socializing, timing medications appropriately, and also avoiding caffeine or alcohol, which can be triggers for insomnia.
2. Sundowning
Another common sleep disorder many with Alzheimer’s Disease may present is sundowning, which is when patients may be irritable, restless, or agitated, especially as the daytime fades. This can even continue into the nighttime, and it can make it difficult for people to get adequate rest, for both caregivers and those who have Alzheimer’s Disease. Essentially, what happens is the person’s internal clock is confused, and they cannot sleep at the time that they usually do.
How to Manage Sundowning
With sundowning, it is not as easy to manage with medication, but it can be handled by other means. If you are caring for a loved one and they begin to experience an episode of sundowning, you should reduce the noise and the distractions in the room and try to get your loved one to focus on something else, like a light chore or a TV show that they like.
You can also make the evening a quiet time for everyone, potentially playing music or going for a walk to help them relax. Natural light is also a great way to try and combat this situation. Sundowning may not be easily stopped, but these methods can help alleviate the stress your loved one may feel during their sundowning episode.
3. Sleep Apnea
Another common sleep disorder that many people with Alzheimer’s Disease struggle with is sleep apnea, which can be difficult and dangerous as it stops your breathing temporarily during sleep and infrequently. With sleep apnea, unlike other conditions, there may be more happening that is not just about stress but about one’s physical health, too. That’s why managing sleep apnea for Alzheimer’s patients can be difficult, but it is necessary. Here are some ways that you can manage this sleep disorder in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease.
How to Manage Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea can be managed in a few different ways for those with Alzheimer’s Disease. However, one of the most effective is the use of a CPAP machine to help with breathing. Studies showed that those with Alzheimer’s Disease and sleep apnea actually saw a noticeable improvement in their verbal learning, memory, and executive functions (Source: PubMed). Over time, people’s sleep and mood also improved, showing that this can help in the long term and even lead to delayed cognitive decline.
4. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)
REM sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, is characterized by the ability to unconsciously act out dreams and even nightmares. This can be debilitating to those with Alzheimer’s Disease, or anyone for that matter, but one of the most challenging parts of having this is the potential for injuries. With the potential for moving limbs and more, something has to be done to protect the patients.
How to Manage RBD
With this sleep disorder, due to its unique symptoms, the best thing to do would be to protect the patient with Alzheimer’s Disease as much as possible. Many people have turned to treatment plans that include protecting the environment and providing protective barriers or cushions for those who might wake up, walk around, or kick something that could lead to a bruise or even injuring themselves.
However, another viable way to manage this is to have a partner sleeping in the same room to ensure that they do not get injured. This can work for situations where the RBD is less aggressive, yet some people turn to medications. The major downside of medications is that, unfortunately, they may worsen symptoms of sleep apnea if people already have this condition (Source: PubMed).
Taking Steps to Improve Sleep for Alzheimer’s Patients
If you are caring for an Alzheimer's patient or a loved one with a disease that also has a sleep disorder, it can be difficult. Nevertheless, by understanding the common sleep disorders that are associated with this neurodegenerative disease, you can take steps to promote their health and wellness.
From insomnia to RBD, there are many ways to treat these sleep disorders, ensuring that you manage the symptoms, either by lifestyle changes or medication. While not all medications will work as effectively, you still may be able to find a suitable option so that you can protect your patient’s health, ensuring that they get good rest and limit their unpleasant symptoms as much as possible.
