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Sleep Is a Problem

Bad nights make everything else harder. This page covers your sleep, and sleep for the person you care for.

Your own sleep

Sleep is part of caregiving, not a reward for finishing it. Aim for seven to nine hours, keep a relaxing bedtime routine, and keep the same sleep and wake times each day.1

If the person you care for has Alzheimer's and sleeps badly, your sleep can suffer too. Both of you need restful sleep.2

Night waking and sundowning

What to watch for:

  • Waking more often and staying awake longer during the night.3
  • Restlessness, agitation, irritability, or confusion as daylight fades. This is called sundowning. Being overly tired can make it worse.4

What you can try

  • Discourage long naps and dozing late in the day.4
  • Keep the evening quiet and calm: low lights, less noise, soothing music if they like it.2
  • Keep a bedtime routine: lowered lights, a cool room, no screens.2
  • Keep regular times for meals, bed, and getting up. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine.3
  • Use nightlights and security objects.3
  • Try non-drug steps first. Some sleep medications can cause serious side effects.3

When to get help

If sleep problems keep going, talk with a health care provider. They may be able to find causes and suggest solutions.2 A medical exam can look for treatable illnesses that may be contributing.3

If you are overwhelmed, you can call or text 988.5

Decisions about sleep medication belong to the person's doctor.

  1. Take Care of Yourself as a Caregiver. Full entry → ↩

  2. Managing Sleep Problems in Alzheimer's Disease. Full entry → ↩↩↩↩

  3. Treatments for Sleep Changes. Full entry → ↩↩↩↩↩

  4. Coping With Agitation, Aggression, and Sundowning in Alzheimer's Disease. Full entry → ↩↩

  5. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Full entry → ↩