Sleeplessness or insomnia can be a common Alzheimer’s issue, though not everyone experiences it. If your loved one does, here are some helpful tips: 

• Keep your physician informed so he or she can intervene, if needed (this might be a condition you monitor for a while)
• Ask the doctor about medications that might be interfering with sleep
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Discourage naps during the day
• Plan relaxing, soothing activities for close to bedtime (play calming music, for example). This could involve having a light snack.
• Make sure your loved one goes to the bathroom before bedtime
• Keep to a routine at bedtime, yet, as always, you have to remain flexible
• Use a favorite pillow or blanket to help relaxation efforts
• Do bathing or any other activity that could be upsetting earlier in the day: Steer clear of anything that could create tension or be upsetting near bedtime
• Don’t make bedtime too early
• Keep the person as active as possible during the day. Walking, working in the yard, dancing or any other activity he or she likes to do can be helpful.
• Ensure comfortable clothing and temperature are in play at bedtime. If putting on sleepwear agitates your spouse, let it go and let her or him sleep in regular clothes.
• If your loved one falls asleep on the couch, let her or him stay and sleep there.
• Use night lights liberally in the bedroom, hallways and bathrooms.

Dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer’s is a daunting task. There’s no need to tackle it alone, however. An excellent resource is “The Indispensable Alzheimer’s Resource Kit.” It can be downloaded at no cost by clicking here.