It’s 2 AM and Mom woke up hysterical that my husband is shining lights in her room. I know he is not. What do I do?

My FIL accuses my kids of stealing his TV, which is firmly attached to the wall directly across from his couch. There’s no convincing him that IT’S RIGHT THERE, so I just say, “I’m sorry. Those kids are crazy! I’ll have them bring it back tomorrow. In the meantime, let’s watch TV.” Yes, it’s absurd, but go along to get along. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Also, call her Dr and discuss meds for this. FIL’s Dr prescribed Seroquel (later Risperidone) before bed, and the bad dreams have all but completely stopped. Have your husband apologize and take his flashlight away! 🤪

Could you suggest that it was someone else shining the lights? And that you have reported it to the police so that they can follow it up? And tomorrow, that it will take some time for them to track down the offender?

Maybe a cool damp washcloth to lay across her eyes with a kiss on her forehead

she could be having vision issues - flashers

Two in the morning is no time to be trying to figure out what's behind the delusion! But something is. Yes, she's "imagining" them - but why? Let's have that conversation when you've had some sleep :)

I hope your husband and you both understand that this is not a real accusation, and neither of you should respond to her or feel in yourselves as though it is. If I said "your husband just beheaded all my chrysanthemums" it would be so totally absurd that you couldn't be offended or hurt by it, could you? And this fear of your mother's, because that's what it is, is just as absurd. Look on it as a puzzle, not a criticism.

For now, reassure her; tomorrow, talk to her about what she thinks is happening. Does she otherwise get on well with your husband?

Is your mother still wide awake? I should go into her room and lie down next to her. Apart from soothing her, this may reveal to you what is triggering the delusion - a streetlight, a passing car, shadows from trees outdoors, a light on some piece of electronic equipment. And if there's nothing, you can still reassure her that you're keeping watch.

Are you okay? Hope you do get to sleep, and your mother is soon feeling better.