Sleep Problems in Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

Some people with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia may have trouble sleeping at night. To combat this problem:

• Keep the person awake and active during the day. Discourage napping unless doing so causes more problems.
• Late afternoon exercise may be helpful.
• Offer warm milk or caffeine-free herbal tea before bedtime.
• If it seems to relax the person, give him or her a bath close to bedtime.

For more information on how to improve sleeping patterns, see the topic Sleep Problems, Age 12 and Older.

Credits

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Peter J. Whitehouse, MD - Neurology
Last Revised	June 23, 2011