Drug-free remedies for Alzheimer's sleep issues
Caring for an Alzheimer's patient can be a difficult challenge, particularly when they develop sleep issues. Fortunately, recent research shows there are ways to help Alzheimer's patients get a full night's rest without turning to a bottle of pills.
Specifically, there are two approaches you can take that will help alleviate the sleep issue for Alzheimer's patients. Actually, these may work for you, too, if you're having trouble sleeping.
Make some behavioral changes:
Eliminate naps, enjoy more daytime physical activity, and keep consistent sleep times.
The physical activity is a big one. I've seen far too many Alzheimer's patients who were asked to do little more than sit in a chair or on a couch all day. It's no wonder that they're not tired at night—they've been resting all day.
Create an environment more conducive to sleep: Install locks on exterior doors to discourage wandering, provide incontinence garments, and try incorporating light therapy.
These approaches are already being implemented in nursing facilities, but if you're a home-based caretaker—which accounts for up to about 75 percent of Alzheimer-related care situations—this information may not have trickled down to you yet. Fortunately, that's where I come in.
I was troubled by recent research that showed a common complaint among Alzheimer's caregivers was their being awakened during the night by the patient. Caring for a person with Alzheimer's is hard enough—especially on no sleep.
So try looking at behavioral or environmental changes you can make to better manage the sleep issue. And, as always, don't be afraid to admit when you need help.
