If you know someone who is living with dementia, you may have noticed them going through sleep-related changes. These changes can develop gradually or quite suddenly, seem out of character for the person, and cause emotional distress for loved ones.
Understanding why this happens – and which stages of dementia are most linked to increased sleep – can help families and caregivers feel more prepared if it occurs.
Some reasons why people with dementia sleep a lot include:
While some changes in sleep are to be expected, the sudden onset of greatly increased or reduced sleep or day-night reversal should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Sleeping a lot is most common as dementia progresses. People living with dementia often become less physically active and more withdrawn as the brain becomes less able to manage basic functions, including wakefulness and alertness.
In advanced stages, people might:
Their brain is finding it more difficult to process stimuli and cope with noise, leading to increased fatigue and longer sleep periods. At this stage, they often sleep more during the day due to these significant changes in brain function and reduced physical strength.
Vascular dementia, caused by reduced blood flow to the brain (often due to strokes or small vessel disease), can affect sleep differently than Alzheimer’s disease.
People with vascular dementia may experience:
Because vascular dementia often coexists with other health issues like heart disease or diabetes, sleep disturbances may be more complex and require a tailored care approach.
In contrast, Alzheimer’s disease tends to cause a gradual and progressive decline in cognitive function, often accompanied by increased daytime sleepiness as the disease advances. This sleepiness may become more persistent over time, especially in the later stages, as the brain’s ability to regulate sleep-wake cycles deteriorates.
This is a common question that people ask. While rest is important, letting a dementia patient sleep all day in the earlier stages of the disease can disrupt their sleep-wake cycle and contribute to day night reversal. This can be stressful and draining for family members and caregivers who must also cope with less sleep at night. Instead, try:
In Australia there are a number of support services for the elderly which may helpful for people living with dementia and their families.
If someone with dementia is sleeping a lot and not eating, it may be a sign of end-stage dementia, but it could also be due to:
This combination of symptoms should always prompt a medical review. In some cases, it may indicate the need for palliative care or a change in the care plan.
Sleep patterns evolve over time across the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as the brain loses its ability to regulate rest and wakefulness. While sleep difficulties can begin at any stage, excessive daytime sleeping is most common in the late stage of Alzheimer’s.
In the final stage of dementia, it’s common for people living with dementia to become mostly unresponsive and sleep nearly all the time. This is a natural part of the body’s decline. Families may find this time emotionally challenging but knowing what to expect can help ease the journey.
At this stage, the focus shifts to:
While it can be worrying to see a loved one with dementia sleep more than usual, it’s often a natural part of the condition’s progression. By understanding the reasons behind these changes, families can feel more confident in the care their loved one is receiving.
Getting the right support makes a significant positive difference. Ryman offers dementia-specific living options that are designed to meet the evolving needs of people living with dementia. Our approach centres on dignity, compassion, and quality of life at every stage of dementia.
If you’d like to speak with our team to get some advice and support, please contact us by calling 1800 314 425 or send us a message and we’ll get in touch.
As dementia progresses, changes in brain function can lead to changes in behaviour. Understanding these behaviours can help caregivers respond with empathy and appropriate strategies.
People with dementia often show:
Signs of dementia progression include:
These changes may signal a need for more intensive care or support.
The seven-stage model of dementia includes the progression of cognitive decline from normal functioning to very severe impairment.
Stage 1 – No impairment: The person shows no signs of memory loss or cognitive impairment, and day-to-day functioning is normal.
Stage 2 – Very mild decline: Minor memory lapses such as forgetting names or misplacing items can occur. These changes are often dismissed as normal ageing.
Stage 3 – Mild decline: Friends and family may notice the person struggling with word recall, organisation, or remembering appointments.
Stage 4 – Moderate decline: Clear signs of cognitive impairment are displayed. The person may forget recent events, struggle with tasks like managing finances, and withdraw socially. This is the stage where a formal dementia diagnosis is often made.
Stage 5 – Moderately severe decline: The person begins to require help with daily activities. They may forget personal details such as their address and phone number and become confused about where they are.
Stage 6 – Severe decline: Memory loss worsens significantly. The person may forget the names of close family members, need help getting dressed and bathing, and experience significant changes in their sleep patterns and personality. Symptoms like agitation or wandering may appear.
Stage 7 – Very severe decline: In the final stage, the person loses the ability to communicate, walk, or control bodily functions. They need full-time care and assistance.
If you’d like to know how Ryman can help you or a loved one living with dementia, please contact us by calling 1800 314 425 or send us a message and we’ll get in touch.