Problems in sleep are a common yet often misunderstood part of dementia. From oversleeping to restless nights, these shifts can deeply affect both the person living with dementia and their caregivers. In this blog, we explore when and why people with dementia sleep more, which types of dementia affect sleep most, and how to manage these changes with easy, effective strategies. And we hope you can get a good understanding and continue to look after someone with dementia at home.
Dementia and Sleeping in Different Stages
The relationship between dementia and sleeping changes as the disease progresses. In the early stage, most individuals still follow relatively normal sleep patterns. However, by the middle stage, noticeable changes begin. Some may nap more during the day and become restless at night. As the condition advances into the late stage, excessive sleeping becomes more common.
In the late stage of dementia, the brain loses more of its ability to regulate the body’s natural rhythms. As a result, people may sleep up to 14–16 hours a day or more. This isn’t just due to fatigue—it reflects the brain’s decline in function.
Why Dementia Patients Sleep a Lot: Key Reasons Explained
There are several causes behind increased sleep in dementia:
- Brain cell damage: As dementia worsens, brain cells die. The brain’s ability to stay alert declines, leading to long sleep durations.
- Medication side effects: Many individuals with dementia take medications that cause drowsiness or fatigue.
- Lack of stimulation: Without daily engagement, the brain receives fewer signals to stay awake.
- Other health issues: Infections, pain, or even depression can trigger longer sleep cycles.
- Body clock disruption: Dementia interferes with the circadian rhythm, causing irregular sleep-wake patterns.
Understanding these causes helps in finding tailored solutions and improving dementia care at home.
What Type of Dementia Causes the Most Sleeping?
All types of dementia can affect sleep, but some influence it more than others.
- Lewy body dementia is strongly linked to sleep disruptions. People with this type of dementia may experience rapid eye movement sleep REM behaviour disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness, and vivid dreams.
- Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, gradually disrupts the sleep and wake cycle, especially in moderate to severe stages. (second stage to the last stage)
- Frontotemporal dementia FTD tends to affect behaviour and personality more, but in later stages, sleep increases.
- Vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, may lead to more naps and poor nighttime sleep due to brain damage.
So, while dementia and sleeping issues can occur in any type, Lewy body and advanced Alzheimer’s cases tend to see the most severe sleep changes.
When Do Dementia Patients Start Sleeping a Lot?
Typically, excessive sleep begins in the moderate to late stages. At this point, cognitive decline affects brain areas responsible for alertness and physical activity. As the brain shuts down more functions, the person naturally becomes less responsive, more fatigued, and more likely to sleep throughout the day.
It’s essential not to confuse this with boredom or laziness. Increased sleep in dementia is usually involuntary and tied directly to brain changes.
Dementia and Sleeping Through the Day: Challenges for Caregivers
When your loved one starts sleeping most of the day, it can feel confusing or concerning. This behaviour often leads to:
- Nighttime restlessness
- Missed meals or medications
- Reduced interaction and isolation
- Challenges in maintaining routines
These effects can also reduce your rest and increase stress. It’s important to recognize this as a medical symptom—not something the person can control.
10 Tips – Practical, Easy Solutions to Manage Dementia and Sleeping Issues
While there is no cure for the sleep disturbances caused by dementia, you can take simple steps to support better sleep patterns.
- Create a predictable daily routine
Stick to regular times for waking up, eating, and going to bed. A clear schedule helps reinforce the body’s internal clock. - Increase daylight exposure
Natural light helps regulate melatonin and improve sleep at night. Open curtains in the morning or take short walks outdoors. - Limit daytime naps
If your loved one naps too long during the day, they may struggle to sleep at night. Keep naps short—20 to 30 minutes. - Reduce evening stimulation
In the evening, turn off bright lights and screens. Keep the environment quiet and calm to prepare the brain for rest. - Encourage light physical activity
Simple activities like stretching, walking, or chair exercises during the day can improve nighttime sleep. - Review medications with a doctor
Ask the physician whether medications might be causing excessive drowsiness. Adjustments may help balance alertness. - Check for underlying conditions
Sometimes, excessive sleep signals other issues like infections, pain, or even depression. A doctor can rule these out. - Offer sensory engagement
Simple tasks like folding towels, listening to music, or sorting objects stimulate the brain and reduce oversleeping. - Use calming bedtime cues
Soothing sounds, lavender scents, or a warm drink (non-caffeinated) can ease anxiety and help with falling asleep. - Avoid caffeine and alcohol
These can disrupt sleep and increase confusion. Offer water or herbal teas instead.
These gentle, practical changes can make daily life smoother for both the person with dementia and their caregivers.
When to Be Concerned About Excessive Sleep
Sometimes, sleeping too much is not just due to dementia. Call a doctor if you notice:
- Sudden increase in sleepiness
- New symptoms like fever, pain, or confusion
- Trouble waking the person for meals or medications
These could point to infections, strokes, or other treatable conditions.
Final Thoughts on Dementia and Sleeping Issues
Dementia and sleeping are deeply connected, especially as the condition progresses. While increased sleep is common in late-stage dementia, it often surprises and concerns families. Understanding that this is a neurological symptom—and not something intentional—can help reduce frustration and guilt.
Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia)
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