My husband has severe dementia and gets up several times during the night. I bought one of those weighted blankets and when I put him to bed at night, I put this blanket over his regular sheets and blankets. It seems to comfort him like a hug and while it doesn't keep him down all night, it certainly has reduced the amount of times he gets up during the night. Even that helps.
Here there is a cheap non-prescription tablet called Sleepright or Sleepassist, available over the counter in pharmacies. It’s based on anti-histamine (like hayfever stuff), which makes most people drowsy (not everyone). The drawback is that it stops working after a few nights, but that can be enough to break a habit. Your husband might be willing to give it a try, as no is doctor required and it’s very mild. If it works, it might give him an incentive to try something through the doctor.
Because of your husband’s complicated and serious cardiac problems, you should not be seeking advice from this forum for your husband’s sleeplessness. Your husband needs to be seen by a cardiologist who will diagnose and treat his cardiac problems as well as his insomnia. Try your best to convince your husband that he needs to see a cardiologist who is going to give him medications which will help him.
If he's able, have him do some mental/physical "work" during the day. We had my 100-yr old Aunt (with mod/adv dementia) fold large stacks of kitchen towels, played card and board games (her rules), walked her to the mailbox, pedaled a portable foot "bike" while she watched tv, had her read aloud to us from books of her choice, etc. Once we started these activities she went off her Melatonin (which wasn't working) and the Tylenol PM she was being given (also not working well).
If he's declined any medical treatment, does that mean he won't ask his doctor or cardiologist about meds to help him sleep? We as laymen cannot and should not advise you on such a topic, as it's too dangerous.
This is a question for his doctor. If the wakefulness is causing you to lose sleep then make sure the doctor knows that also, because all too often docs who are reluctant to explore medication aren't taking the needs of the caregiver into account.
Bad idea to recommend such a sedative to a heart disease patient who's 88! Valium was never prescribed for my mother with CHF because it made her a bigger fall risk
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Respite care?
they will take him to nursing home for 5 days… for YOU to relax and get caught up on stuff?
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things happen when you’re not ready.
oh gosh… I thight I was done…. Nope… this next tier hit sooo much sooner than I was prepared for:
drugs::
holdill? For agitation
morphine… that seems to help
Ativan: seems to help
anbien
nature made: time release melatonin
warm milk
lower lights
no internet
non tv
maybe baby bach
BEETHOVEN
low classical music
low lights
lots of stimulation during day
excercise
good luck .. it’s not fun
puzzles., chess,
Valarien root from health food store,
Ativan, and other meds that may be available..
unfortunately.. my DH is now terminal. Anything to keep him relaxed is welcoming.
he fell two times yesterday when I turned my back…
I hear the bed creak and I know he’s trying to get on the move…. Staying in home in place with familiar is my choice…l
we bought. Heavy one.. 15 pounds.. was weighted with pockets .. not comfy.. not warm.. not natural..
Layers of cotton blankets.. easier on joints
Best wishes.
Great idea!!!
KEEP PHYSICAL….
Olivia newton john..
yes(?)
I'd run both by your doctor.