Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s: Sleep Challenges and Solutions September 19, 2025 Caring for a Loved One With Alzheimer’s: Sleep Challenges and Solutions Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease can be deeply rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—especially when it comes to sleep. Many older adults experience sleep difficulties, but for people with dementia, these problems are often more severe and disruptive. Sleep disturbances not only affect the person living with Alzheimer’s but also the wellbeing of their caregivers. Why Sleep Becomes a Struggle Research shows that up to 25% of people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s experience sleep problems, and this figure rises to around 50% in more advanced stages.1 These difficulties can take many forms: trouble falling or staying asleep, waking up too early, daytime sleepiness, or frequent napping.1 Some may also experience sundowning—a state of confusion, restlessness, or agitation that sets in late in the day and can lead to night wandering, which may be unsafe.1 Obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep, is also more common in people with Alzheimer’s, adding another layer of risk.2 Several factors contribute to these challenges, including changes to the brain’s natural “body clock,” physical or mental exhaustion, pain, hunger, or simply the confusion caused by low lighting and unfamiliar surroundings.1 Practical Ways to Support Better Sleep While sleep issues can feel overwhelming, there are steps that can make nights more restful3,4: Create a routine: Encourage your loved one to wake, eat, and go to bed at the same times each day. Encourage activity: Walks and gentle exercise during the day can reduce restlessness at night. Limit naps and stimulants: Long daytime naps, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can worsen night-time wakefulness. Set the mood: Keep evenings calm with soothing music, reading aloud, or quiet activities. Avoid screens and ensure the bedroom is a comfortable temperature. Check medications: Some drugs, including certain antidepressants and Alzheimer’s medicines, may cause insomnia. A doctor may recommend adjusting the timing or dosage. Try melatonin or light therapy: Melatonin supplements and bright light exposure in the morning may help regulate sleep-wake cycles. Use lighting wisely: Nightlights in bedrooms and hallways can ease confusion and reduce anxiety if your loved one wakes up. If your loved one becomes restless during the night, stay calm. Arguing may only increase anxiety. Instead, gently reassure them, check for discomfort, and allow safe pacing if needed. Caring for Yourself Too It’s important to remember that you need rest as well. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be exhausting, and sleep deprivation makes it harder to cope. If you’re struggling, ask for help. Family, friends, or local Alzheimer’s support organisations can provide respite care. Your doctor or a social worker may also connect you with services in your area. When to Seek Professional Help If lifestyle strategies don’t help, speak to a healthcare professional. They can investigate whether conditions like sleep apnea or medication side effects are contributing to the problem. Sleep is essential—for both people with Alzheimer’s and their carers. If you or your loved one are struggling with sleep, don’t wait. Speak with a doctor to explore solutions that can help restore rest, safety, and peace of mind. How Sove CPAP Clinic Can Help Founded in 2008, Sove CPAP Clinic has grown to become a leading provider of respiratory and sleep services and products in Australia, with over 60 clinics nationwide. Our comprehensive clinical team includes Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, Sleep Technologists, and CPAP Consultants, ensuring that you receive comprehensive and personalised care. All medical procedures, including sleep studies and lung function testing, are bulk billed to all Australians, with minimal wait time. If you would like to speak to a Respiratory & Sleep Physician, book a bulk-billed sleep study, or seek advice for your sleep apnea, you can reach us at 1300 76 29 39 or info@thecpapclinic.com.au. ALWAYS FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE. CPAP is used for Obstructive Sleep Apnea treatment. When considering whether a sleep study or CPAP is right for you, speak to your doctor. Medicare criteria and T&Cs apply. References “Managing Alzheimer’s Sleep Problems.” Mayo Clinic, 2025, www.mayoclinic.org Andrade, Andreia, et al. “The Relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, vol. 64, no. Suppl 1, 2018, pp. S255–S270. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-179936 NIHAging. “Managing Sleep Problems in Alzheimer’s Disease.” National Institute on Aging, 11 July 2024, www.nia.nih.gov “Sleep and Dementia.” www.dementia.org.au
