When Dementia Affects Sleep

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you might already know how unpredictable the nights can get. Your loved one may be wide awake at 2am, pacing, confused, or even trying to leave the house. It’s distressing, and it can leave youfeeling drained and helpless.

But here’s the good news — while sleep problems are common in dementia, there are things you can do to help create a calmer, more restful night for everyone.

🧠 Why Dementia Affects Sleep

Changes in the brain affect the body's internal clock (circadian rhythm), leading to irregular sleep patterns. Your loved one might:

• Confuse day and night
• Become more restless or agitated in the evening (a pattern known as sundowning)
• Feel discomfort from pain, hunger, or needing the toilet
• React to medications or overstimulation
• Be too inactive during the day, leading to energy at bedtime

These changes aren’t behavioural problems — they’re symptoms of the condition. And knowing that helps you approach them with more understanding.

🕰️ Create a Calming Routine

Structure and familiarity are comforting to someone with dementia. Try to:

• Wake up, eat, and sleep at consistent times
• Include gentle daytime activity like walking or folding towels
• Avoid long or late naps — 20–30 minutes before 3pm is best
• Start winding down early with soft lighting, soothing sounds, and quiet routines

A predictable rhythm helps the body and brain prepare for sleep naturally.

🍲 Use Food to Support Sleep

What we eat affects how we sleep — and this is especially true in dementia care. Some tips:

• Avoid caffeine or sugary snacks in the late afternoon
• Serve a light, warm dinner such as rice porridge or soft noodles
• Offer small, soothing snacks like our mushroom soup or apple longan purée
• Limit fluids after dinner to reduce toilet trips at night

At GentleFoods®, our soft meals are easy to digest and comforting, making them ideal for winding down.

🌙 What to Do If They’re Awake at Night

Even with a routine, night waking can still happen. When it does:

• Stay calm and reassuring — they may be confused or afraid
• Avoid arguing — instead, gently redirect with a quiet activity
• Offer comfort: a warm drink, hand to hold, soft music
• Keep the environment safe and familiar, with nightlights in hallways and bathrooms

Sometimes, they just need to know someone’s there.

🧍♀️ Caregivers Need Sleep Too

Interrupted nights take a toll on your health too. It’s okay to:

• Share the load with family or engage overnight support
• Explore respite options to catch up on rest
• Let GentleFoods® handle the meals, so you can focus on rest and care

Remember — a rested caregiver is a better caregiver.

💛 Final Thought

When a loved one with dementia doesn’t sleep, it’s tough — emotionally and physically. But with small changes to routine, diet, and environment, you can make nights a little more peaceful for them… and for yourself.