Being a caregiver can be stressful on you and your sleeping habits – and for caregivers of loved ones with dementia this is especially true.
According to National Alliance for Caregivers, two-thirds of the 10 million people who care for patients with dementia suffer sleep disturbances. Oftentimes dementia causes insomnia and night wandering. This leaves their caregiver to wake during the night to help them with toileting, getting them back into bed, and providing emotional reassurance to soothe frayed nerves and spirits.
Falling asleep or having a good night's sleep after such an ordeal can be difficult. Caregivers may start napping throughout the day, drink coffee to stay awake or spend longer hours in bed trying to catch up on lost sleep. Even if the dementia patient's sleep problems are resolved – or if the loved one no longer lives at home, the caregiver's sleep problems may continue. Caregivers often continue to wake up out of habit.
Caregiver burden also can cause sleep problems. A never-ending cycle of depression and anxiety can lead to sleep problems and lack of sleep can cause depression and anxiety. Many caregivers, typically the spouse, are older adults too and may have their own health conditions that can contribute to sleep disturbances. The consequences can be quite serious. Fatigued caregivers aren't able to provide quality care and mistakes can be made more easily. Plus the caregiver's health can decline as a result of the stress and exhaustion.
Alleviating your stress should be your number one priority if you are caring for a dementia patient and are experiencing sleep disturbances. You should first see a health care professional to diagnose the sleeplessness and to prescribe a treatment.
Non-pharmacological options are recommended a first wave of treatment for the caregiver and the patient. Research has shown that yoga or meditation for the caregiver can be beneficial. Introduce (or reintroduce) time for you to enjoy pleasurable activities, like playing a musical instrument, or going for a walk, to give you some down time. Work with other family members or health professionals to carve out time in your schedule. This is a better option than taking medicine to fall asleep, since there is little evidence to support the use of anti-depressants or psychotropic drugs to reduce stress and aid caregivers in sleep. Take this seriously. Your health is imperative to making sure that everyone's health is maintained, including that of your loved one with dementia.
Resource: National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology
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