Index
- Sleep disorders in Alzheimer's patients
- The importance of sleep for Alzheimer's patients
- The consequences of sleep deprivation for Alzheimer's patients
- Sleep well for Alzheimer's sufferers
- The right things to do to live well with Alzheimer's patients
Sleep disorders in Alzheimer's patients
Alzheimer's or not, sleep is of paramount importance for our bodies. In particular, it allows it to recover, both mentally and physically. The memorisation and storage of information by the brain takes place during sleep. Sleep disorders have harmful consequences by affecting memory, alertness and the cardiovascular system. Mood, skin, complexion, immune system and other systems are also affected. The risk of developing various disorders is high when sleep deprivation is recurrent.
The importance of sleep for Alzheimer's patients
Alzheimer's is known for its irremediable effect on the patient's mental functions. The main cause of dementia, it destroys memory and promotes a state of mental confusion. A sleep disorder favours the appearance of amyloid plaques. These prevent neurotransmitters and neurons from functioning properly. The more amyloid plaques, the more the disease develops. Sleeping well helps to keep the brain healthy and at the same time delays the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Developing good sleep habits will contribute to good brain health:
- Keep the bedroom at a good temperature, not cold or too hot. It should be cool, between 15 and 20°C to promote sleep.
- Avoid tobacco, alcohol and caffeine before going to sleep. These substances interfere with sleep.
- Prefer short naps of less than 30 minutes to long naps. They help the body to recover quickly and awaken the senses.
- Eat light at Heavy foods with spices or too much fat will make the body work harder than it should.
- Establish a bedtime routine. The habit will set in when bedtime is regular.
- Turn off the screens one hour before going to bed to avoid sleep disturbances.
The consequences of sleep deprivation for Alzheimer's patients
Sleep disturbances such as interrupted sleep, poor quality sleep or lack of sleep are harmful to the brain. The lymphatic system, which cleans the brain's neurons during the night, no longer functions properly. The sleep-wake rhythm is disrupted. The patient can stay awake at night and sleep during the day. Memory is increasingly affected. Questions are becoming more and more frequent, as are forgetfulness. The effects are not only felt by the patient. The family member or carer is also affected. Both parties get out of it exhausted in the long run. Sleep disturbances contribute to the Alzheimer's disease in the patient:
- Irritability
- Depression
- Mood change
- Anxiety
- Social withdrawal
- Runaways
- Paranoia
- Accusations
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
Sleep well for Alzheimer's sufferers
Sleep disturbances in Alzheimer's patients relate to changes in their daily life. As the disease develops, many disorders appear. The orientation in time is the most obvious. At night, lighting disturbs his perception and he thinks he is in broad daylight. This explains why some patients wander around the house at night. So, how can you help your Alzheimer's patient sleep well at night?
- Keep him from oversleeping during the day: You will have to use your imagination to keep him busy during the day without tiring him out. The nap should take place after lunch and not last for hours.
- To prevent him from sleeping too much during the day and to give him the means to orient himself in time so that he can distinguish between the day and the night.: It is important that he can make the most of daylight during the day. At night, it will be able to make the difference with artificial light. A phosphorescent panel at the bedroom and toilet doors can be useful to guide him once darkness sets in. The aim is to avoid sleep disturbances. Give him the means to orient himself in time to be able to distinguish between day and night.
- Establish a regular rhythm for the habits: Thus, his dinner will be served to him at a set time. The bedtime will also be fixed in advance, with or without an established ritual. The relative may offer him/her soft music, a hot drink or reading.
The right things to do to live well with Alzheimer's patients
The carer and the family member are obliged to adopt the right behaviour when dealing with Alzheimer's patients. Sleep disturbances help, the patient displays a bad mood in addition to the disorders. Understanding is essential in order to deal with them serenely, which is not always easy. Respect and dignity are notions that must prevail in the way the patient is spoken to or treated.
Showing love is equally important. Patience and perseverance are also important. In any case, keeping the patient in his or her familiar environment will help a lot. The prerequisite for this is that the accommodation is secure. Visits to the doctor for health checks should not be neglected for the patient's well-being.
