How to Keep the Elderly in Bed at Night

Before we review how to keep a dementia patient in bed, it’s vital to understand why older adults often get their sleep disrupted. Reasons why older adults have trouble sleeping include:

• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As we stated earlier, these conditions can often contribute to restlessness and anxiety.
• Health issues. Conditions such as diabetes and prostate problems can cause older adults to frequently urinate, which can disrupt sleep. Furthermore, health issues such as kidney disease or heart failure can make lying flat uncomfortable, making it more challenging to get a restful night’s sleep.
• Insomnia. According to the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, up to 48% of older adults experience symptoms of insomnia. This sleep disorder is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep.
• Lifestyle factors. Caffeine consumption or limited physical activity during the day can make it difficult to fall asleep.
• Loss of melatonin. As bodies age, they produce less melatonin, which is a natural hormone that regulates sleep cycles. This can negatively impact sleep patterns.
• Medications. Certain medications, such as those that manage high blood pressure or depression, can disrupt sleep.

To learn how your loved one can live at home in the Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee greater areas, please visit our website at Greater Temecula Providing Caregivers | Griswold (griswoldcare.com), call/text 951-346-1352, or email nolan.chandler@griswoldhomecare.com.