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First, sleeping a lot, increased sleeping is a decline that Hospice looks for when recertifying a patient on Hospice.
My Husband went from sleeping a "normal" 8 - 9 hours to sleeping 23-24 hours the last month of his life.
As a person declines it takes energy to keep the body running. Breathing, heart beat, digestive system, kidneys and yes the brain even though it is broken. Sleeping is a way that some of the outside stimulation can be shut down so it does not have to be interpreted. (hearing, vision, taste, smell)
I also read an interesting pamphlet called "Crossing the Creek" (a guide to understanding the dying process) and the thought there is that sleeping is a way for a person to resolve conflicts. A lot more can be accomplished in dream state than can be in a waking state.
So in essence I would not worry about sleeping a lot.
If she is as active as she can be during the time she is awake and if she is eating, drinking as she should then again I would not worry.
If you have not contacted Hospice I would do so. They can provide so much help as well as information along with all the supplies and equipment that you need.
If you do have Hospice and they have not explained the process and what to expect then they are not doing their job well.
She is not sleeping her life away...Dementia is taking what she has left, she has lived a life, what remains is a shell.
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Reply to Grandma1954
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OliveBalla Jul 18, 2024
Well said. Thank you.
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We have to practice not "projecting" onto our LOs what we think they "should" or "could" be doing at any point in their journey. Sometimes increased sleep is a symptom of depression, if your LO is not on any meds for that at this point. Sleeping more may feel wrong (and worrisome), but isn't. Whatever keeps them in a state of peace is right. There is no wrong way as long as they aren't suffering.

May you receive peace in your heart.
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OliveBalla Jul 18, 2024
Thank you for this post. My 86 year old husband is in mid-stage dementia and I'm trying to learn as much as I can about options, what to expect, etc. This is helpful.
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I always hoped my mother's dream world was nicer than her reality.
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What else is she supposed to be doing?
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Anxietynacy Jul 6, 2024
That isn't all that helpful. More discusted that it all ready got 4 up votes. Come on people, how is that helpful????
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My mom slept more and more as she got closer to the end. I let her sleep unless we had an appointment or reason to go out. It's a natural process, I believe. I made use of the extra "me time."
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Reply to TopsailJanet
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Your LO is in the advanced stage and I am sure this is so difficult to see her in a shell of former self. How is she during her awaken state? Calm and pleasant? Or confused and agitated? Can you even make her stay awake? Does she drift off in any environment?

At this stage I would recommend assessing her during the awaken period to see if she is able to do more and stay awake. Don't force just let her take the lead and embrace extra awake periods that are free of agitation.

My mom sleeps about 20 hours a day with at most 45 minutes awakening periods. She is most comfortable this way. She will drift off even in an upright position at a table.

At this point her confusion is to far along to force her to stay awake. A short pleasant awake period is far better than a longer awake period that is mostly confusion that leads to agitation.
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Reply to AMZebbC
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Yes Darlene, it is very common for someone with advanced dementia to sleep a lot, especially as they are nearing end of life.
I would now get an assessment from hospice to see if your mom qualifies for their care.
My late husband slept about 16-18 hours a day the last 6 months of his life and then about 20+ hours a day towards the very end of his life.
I wish you well as you take this final journey with your mom.
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OliveBalla Jul 18, 2024
Thank you a thousand times for this post. My 86 year old husband is in mid-stage dementia and I am trying to learn as much as possible about what I can expect. While I know each case is different...there is no way to know exactly how it will play out, only the end result...I do appreciate everyone's willingness to share their paths. Blessings.
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Yes, let her sleep. Some difficult behaviors go with dementia. When she's asleep she is peaceful and not exhibiting those behaviors, some of which are hard to live with. Like moaning, screaming, tearing things up, walking around the house and not being able to sit down and rest.

Be thankful that she's comfortable!
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Reply to Fawnby
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What would you have her do if she were awake, with advanced dementia? Insist her dead loved ones were locked away in the closets, like my mother did? Get so agitated with Sundowners that she'd need medication just to breathe w/o hyperventilating?

I'd have given anything for my mother to have "slept her life away" peacefully during her horrible last year of dementia.
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OliveBalla Jul 18, 2024
I'm sorry you had to go through such a nightmare. Your experience and insight is helpful. Thank you for posting.
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Her body wants to sleep. Just let her be and keep her comfortable.
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