Sleeping Problems with Dementia
20 November 2025
The internal body clock, tuning the sleep/wake hours, may be damaged among patients suffering from dementia. Therefore, people with dementia may switch between day and night, be alert during the night and sleepy during the day. Moreover, people with dementia may feel anxiety and confusion at dusk (before sunset), when light diminishes and darkness falls.
How to cope with sleeping problems of a relative with dementia
- Take out your relative for a stroll in the afternoon or initiate any other activity that suits them
- During the daytime, make sure your relative is exposed to natural light
- Fill out the day with activities
- If you are staying at home in the afternoon, close the windows and shutters when the light diminishes to avoid anxiety
- Keep regular sleeping and resting hours during the day, every day of the week
- Reduce sleeping during the day
- Avoid drinking before bedtime (if the person has had enough to drink during the day)
- Postpone bedtime to the latest hour possible and consider 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night
- Create a pleasant and peaceful atmosphere towards sleep
- If necessary, consult with a doctor about sleeping pills
Very important
Very important
If a person with dementia wakes up at night, leave the light on in the bedroom to avoid falling.
In many cases, some food and drink may calm the person and help fall asleep again.