Dementia and Sleep Problems: How to Handle Sleep-Wake Cycle Disruptions

One of the most common symptoms is the disruption of the circadian rhythm, which is responsible for the sleep-wake cycle. They confuse day and night—for example, sleeping a lot during the day and staying awake at night. The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock, which regulates rest based on light and darkness. With dementia, this clock “breaks,” so your loved one with dementia does not get the proper signals about when to be awake and when to sleep.

Many family members caring for someone with dementia complain that they are so exhausted because their husband or wife comes alive at night. This is incredibly draining because the caregivers cannot get a proper night’s sleep themselves.

Examples of Sleep Disturbances:

• The “Reverse” Day: Your loved one with dementia falls back asleep after breakfast and spends almost the entire day sleeping in the armchair. However, when evening comes and the family wants to rest, they turn on the lights, want to listen to the radio, want to chat, or want to head home.
• Nighttime Activity: In the middle of the night—for instance, at three in the morning—someone with dementia starts their morning routine: they make the bed or begin to get dressed because they are convinced that the day is starting and they need to leave for work.

How Can We Help “Reset the Internal Clock”?

The goal is to help your loved one with dementia distinguish between day and night:

• Natural Light: Let as much natural light into the house as possible during the morning. If the weather permits, sit out on the patio with them or take them for a walk. Daylight helps the brain switch into “awake” mode.
• Limiting Daytime Naps: Try to prevent them from sleeping deeply for hours during the day. If you see them nodding off, wake them up with a little conversation or a short walk around the room. A brief (20-minute) nap after lunch is fine, but sleeping for hours ruins nighttime sleep.
• Creating an Evening “Ritual”: Start getting ready at the same time every evening and always do the exact same things: for example, draw the curtains, turn down the TV, and help them put on their pajamas. These cues help them realize that bedtime is approaching.
• Safety at Night: Use motion-sensor lights in the hallway and bathroom so that if they wake up and wander around, you can prevent potential accidents.

Important Disclaimer

The information and advice presented on this website and in this article are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute a medical diagnosis or individual therapeutic recommendations. The operator/author of the website assumes no liability for any direct or indirect damages, health issues, or misunderstandings resulting from the use of this information. Everyone applies the described methods at their own risk. Please consult your physician before making any lifestyle changes or applying any complementary therapies.

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About the Author

Suzanne Sandwiese – Dementia Caregiver, Mental Health Assistant

I have more than 12 years of practical experience in caring for elderly people and patients living with dementia. My goal is to translate knowledge about dementia into understandable, practical advice that can be applied in daily life, thereby helping families live together with the disease. As the author of several professional books and the founder of a popular Facebook page, my mission is to provide clear and, above all, usable guidance to all those who care for loved ones living with dementia.