As with most people, insomnia can seriously impact the overall health of your loved one and result in serious health and safety concerns. Institutions such as the Mayo Clinic define insomnia as simply a disorder that can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay awake or both. Generally speaking, insomnia can impact on one’s daily life tremendously by interfering with one’s ability to stay focused or alert or simply function at a normal level. Unfortunately, those suffering from diseases such as Alzheimer’s—or any other disease that seriously affects the nervous system—may find themselves especially prone to this condition of (what seems like) perpetual sleeplessness. Should you find that your loved one with Alzheimer’s now suffers from insomnia, you should do everything within your power to help them resolve the issues with sleep. While those with loved ones suffering from sleeplessness face a difficult and challenging road, they can take at least a measure of comfort in the fact that they can take a number of simple actions to increase the likelihood of sleep.
Helpful Tips for Improving Sleep
-Set a limit to caffeine and alcohol intake.
-Do as much as possible to keep your loved one active during the day; such activities include: dancing, walking, working in the yard, cleaning, etc.
-Discourage naps during the day
-Plan relaxing activities close to bedtime, such as playing soothing music or reading a comforting book
-When it comes to bedtime, try to keep a routine (but remain flexible)
-Avoid getting to bed too early
-Allow your loved one to wear regular clothes to bed if putting on night clothes upsets him or her
-Keep your physician informed so he or she can intervene if needed
