My mother is 93 and has dementia. Even though she takes enough meds that should help her get a good night's sleep...anxiety and depression med at night and also risperidone during the day...at times she will not want to go to bed at night or may finally settle down middle of night or just before daylight. Sometimes she doesn't even nap during the day after not sleeping well at night. At times she will sleep all the next day and then will most certainly have a problem going to sleep at night. I am exhausted and that's an understatement during these times. Just wondering does anyone else have this issue and how do you handle encouraging your loved one to at least lay down. If I can get her to do this she will go to sleep. My mother is at a point where she doesn't understand hardly anything I ask her to do. I am not new to the forum but I mostly read others posts to help me on this difficult journey and it has helped tremendously...thank you all.
We reported it to his doctor b/c I was getting very concerned over how angry the lack of sleep was making my mother with him. The doctor prescribed Temazapam, which only aggravated the situation. I was desperate to try something else, and with his CHF and multiple other complicating health factors, my options were limited. I researched and found that valerian tea could help the anxiety, so I got “Sleepytime Extra” (with honey and lemon added for taste, of course). Also, I got som CBD oil to add to his tea. And some relaxing essential oils to put on his temples and wrist points at bedtime. I created a whole “sleepy ritual” around it. So I can’t actually say what was the determining factor, but he did start getting some rest AND his dementia symptoms were somehow lessened. Not resolved, but lessened. He could form complete sentences again the following day and was able to be helpful in his mobility, eating and generally communicating.
It’s been 6 weeks so far. He will still wake up a few times, but not in an agitated way. My mom sleeps through the night. He hasn’t tried getting out of bed anymore, and is just calmer at night.
The CBD oil I am using is by Lazarus Naturals - “Standard potency, full spectrum” in the “classic”/unflavored version. You start out with literally just a few drops (NOT dropperfulls - literal drops) in the tea, and you can get an idea of how she’s reacting. There are no side effects, although caution is advised for people who are on grapefruit sensitive meds. My father is, but there doesn’t appear any ill effects per his labs. These are very tiny doses. But the effect is bizarrely amazing. My mom tried some topically on an arthritis flare-up, and boom! Instantly the pain stopped. I tried a few drops on an exposed nerve, and boom! Pain stopped. I’ve also been taking small amounts for my own anxiety and am not needing sleeping pills. My dog is on their pet tincture, and she is less aggressive at playing. It’s bizarre!
I was against CBD oils at first because I thought they were Mary Jane, which I personally detest (too many pot-head boyfriends when I was younger...) - but it’s NOT Mary Jane. It has trace-to no THC (the psychoactive element that makes people get high). I don’t know exactly how to explain it - it’s “cannibidols” (or something) extracted from the hemp plant stems and flowers, and apparently we all gave receptors for pain and relaxation in our bodies that it goes to, and stuff happens. You can’t get “high,” and I think it’s legal everywhere, but I’m not sure. It is here in California. And Lazarus offers 60% discount to vets and disabled people and I think low income as well. I’ve tried a few other brands, but Lazarus is apparently the best for sleep.
Please research it if you’re curious. It hasn't changed my dad’s or my personality, and I can’t really feel it kicking in (it can take up to 2 hours) but it’s doing...something.
Anyway, so far, so good. And both my parents are feeling more understood about things. It’s made weird, wild improvements - literally overnight. 🤷🏼♀️
Also, you may try a calming herbal tea after dinner; I use Cup of Calm or Nighty Night with chamomile, passionflower, etc.
Agree with suggestion to talk to doc about the meds not working properly. For both of you, it would be great if she would settle down at night so you can both get some needed rest.
Has she ever been on Melatonin?