Why Do Alzheimer's Patients Have Sleep Problems?

Sleep quality, as well as duration changes, are normal as people become older. Sleep issues in patients with Alzheimer's disease, on the other hand, are frequently more serious and complex. There might be a link between sleep problems and the other symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. This implies that sleep deprivation might exacerbate other symptoms like delusions, restlessness, and roaming, making sleeping more difficult.

For memory retention to occur, you must get adequate sleep and spend enough time in deep sleep and rapid-eye (REM) sleep. Memory loss is the most common sign of Alzheimer's disease, and Alzheimer's patients spend increasingly less2 time in deep sleep and REM sleep than older persons without the condition.

What Sleep Disorders Do Alzheimer's Patients Have?

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep, waking up too early, or having poor quality sleep. Insomnia is frequent in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Other sleep problems that are commonly encountered in this demographic include:

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a disorder in which the airway collapses during sleep, causing loud snoring, choking, as well as other respiratory symptoms. According to one research, up to half of Alzheimer's disease patients5 acquire OSA at some time in their lives. The most frequent treatment for OSA is continuous positive airway pressure, which has been shown to enhance cognition in individuals with both OSA and Alzheimer's disease.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by disturbing creeping or tingling sensations in the legs, which are relieved by moving them. The symptoms tend to get worse when you're sleeping, which might make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. According to one study, RLS is two to six times more common6 in mentally incapacitated older persons than it is in healthy older adults. More study is needed to see if the commonly used RLS medications are safe and helpful for Alzheimer's patients. Medical therapy for RLS, on the other hand, has been demonstrated to enhance sleep quality. RLS is treated medically, which improves sleep quality.

Mood issues: Depression and anxiety are common in dementia patients7, and these mood disorders are known to contribute to sleep disturbances. Sleeping can be made more difficult by depression and anxiety symptoms, which include staying in, shrinking from support networks, and feeling depressed or disturbed. Cognitive and/or behavioral therapy, stimulus control, exercise, and the use of drugs may help persons with dementia cope with the symptoms of mood disorders and sleep problems.

Furthermore, 'sundowning' is a typical sign of Alzheimer's disease, in which patients with the condition suffer an increase in symptoms such as disorientation, anxiety, and irritability later in the day. It usually starts about sunset and can linger far into the night, disrupting sleep. Sundowning may be triggered by a disturbed circadian rhythm and/or weariness caused by sleep deprivation, while the specific reason is unknown9.

How Can Alzheimer's Patients Sleep More Soundly?

Helping an Alzheimer's patient get more restful, deeper sleep can enhance physical health and alleviate daily symptoms like agitation and confusion caused by sleep deprivation. In addition to addressing any underlying sleep problems that are leading to sleep disruptions, patients with Alzheimer's disease can benefit from excellent sleep hygiene. Sleep hygiene refers to the development of good sleeping habits and the maintenance of a sleep-friendly environment. To enhance sleep hygiene, try experimenting with the following steps:

Maintain a healthy daily routine: Incorporate stimulating activities throughout the early and middle of the day, such as errands, family dinners, appointments, and exercise. Evenings should be set aside for a low-energy routine. Listening to music, reading, and other relaxing hobbies are in the top ten.

Establish a sleeping pattern: Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day can aid in the regulation of the circadian rhythm.

Napping should be avoided if at all possible11, as it perpetuates problematic sleep-wake rhythms and makes it more difficult to fall and remain asleep at night.

Light exposure is also important since it is the most potent modulator of the circadian rhythm. Time spent outside in natural daylight may aid in the resetting of one's internal clock. Another alternative is to use light therapy, which was found in certain trials to help patients with Alzheimer's sleep better12. The use of a specific, bright lighting apparatus for at least 30 min during the day is known as light therapy.

Encourage physical exercise during the day: Physical activity during the day would help you sleep better at night. Walking or doing other exercises outside provides double the benefits of both activity and light exposure.

Establish a sleeping pattern: Going to bed and getting up at the same time each day can aid in the regulation of the circadian rhythm.