How to help dementia patients sleep better
For patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, getting a good night's sleep is essential for improving their quality of life and maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing. In this blog post, we've put together a few tips to help dementia patients sleep better.
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Get the lighting right
In order for a person with Dementia or Alzheimer's to achieve a restful night's sleep, it's essential to make their bedroom as comfortable as possible by installing special needs beds and soft furnishings. Heavy-duty beds can ensure that a patient who suffers from lack of physical control or violent or other physical outbursts is well supported during these episodes. Blackout curtains can also be used at night-time to reduce outside distractions. Studies suggest that light therapy can also reduce confusion and restlessness for people who suffer from Dementia. Violet light is known to promote drowsiness and, when used regularly, it can help to readjust a person's body clock. It's also important to consider the safety of the person, so if they frequently visit the toilet at night time, it's a good idea to install a low light to prevent them from tripping and falling over in the dark.
Establish a routine
A patient with Dementia might have difficulty remembering new routines and habits, so it's a good idea to establish a daily schedule to provide them with some familiarity and comfort, particularly in the evenings. Interrupting their routine will only incite unnecessary confusion, anger, and stress, so it's a good idea to repeat the same activities every evening that they can associate with bedtime. This can include brushing their teeth, drawing them a bath, playing music, or offering them a hot drink so that they know that it is almost time to go to bed.
Keep them active during the day
During the day, it's a good idea to get a Dementia patient out of the house to engage in some physical activity, such as visiting friends and family members, going for a quick stroll, or, if possible, joining a society or club. Being exposed to natural light during the day is essential for regulating their body clock, and being out and about will also have numerous benefits for a Dementia patient's physical and mental health. By the end of the day, the patient might feel tired enough to have a restful night's sleep so they are less likely to wake up in the middle of the night.
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