Mother Sleeping More & More. Is this normal?

My 88 year old mother with Alzheimers has been living with us for 6 weeks now after being in a nursing home for 2 years. I was not able to see her day to day activity level when she was there but in the 6 weeks here she is sleeping increasingly more and I am wondering if this is part of the normal progression. I had started to feel guilty letting her sleep so much but we are now seeing that she gets cranky and more symptomatic and even less independant in her thinking if she doesnt get all that sleep. I am wondering if this is normal to see and if I should just let nature take it's course.

5 Comments

 Print

Email Email

 
 
 
  •  Comments 1 to 5 of 5 
 
 

NANCE

Give a Hug

Dec 8, 2009

Why in the world did you take her out of the nursing home?

 
 

195Austin

Give a Hug

Dec 8, 2009

If the nursing home was not near you it would have been better to move her to one closer to yoy. If she is on medacaide she should be able to get home care and if she was self pay when she was in the nursing home she should be able to pay for help in your home esp. at night if she does not sleep at night due to sleeping much of the day. If she has money it should go for her care now when she needs it to help you cope with her care 24/7. Many of us would like to be in that position and now is the time to do it.

 
 

Mimis

Give a Hug

Dec 9, 2009

Hi Annie, None of the above have answered your question. Yes, sleeping more and more is part of the end stages of Alzheimer's. Contacting Hospice would be a great idea because they have much experience with such patients. Has the doctor or nursing home given an evaluation as to what stage she's in? This information gives much guidance as to what to do. At earlier stages, keeping the loved one active during the day may help the night time sleep problem.
Good luck. And the book 'Creating Moments of Joy', may help. the title is all you need to know about the book. The title should be the goal of all care givers.

 
 

NP

Give a Hug

Dec 9, 2009

My Mother is almost 90 and just got diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She currently lives in an Assisted Living Facility and I've noticed that she sleeps more and more also. I think part of her problem is that she doesn't sleep very well at night. She gets her days & nights mixed up and in addition to her two naps during the day, she wants to doze off after dinner as well. I have observed what you have about her temperament if she does stay awake. I've tried to get her involved in the few activities at her place that she could do, but the interest just isn't there anymore. She would much rather sleep. No solutions in this e-mail, but I wanted you to know that I feel for you and appreciate you posing this question.

NP

 
 

linda09

Give a Hug

Dec 9, 2009

my dad is 86 yrs old , he too sleeps alot . (dementia)stays awake for a bit to watch tv then goes off to sleeping . its peaceful for him and its peaceful for me . tryin to keep him awake is like handling a newborn cryin all thetime . he whines and moans and gibberishin .
by all means if he s happy sleeping and then so am i . at night time when he cant sleep i play his music all night long , pasty cline . one of his fav , he sings along with her and i go to sleep .
dad hated nursing home . they make him do things he dont enjoy doing and make him sit in wheelchair and he is not comferatble and it hurts his back . he rather be at home in peace and sleep in his fav recliner or in his bed . let him be ...
it upset me to see him in rehab sittin in wheelchair cryin begging nurses to put him in bed . they all told him no .
ive decided that he was in there long enuff and he wasnt getting any better there . he s happy to be home with his family surounding ... and so am i cuz i see him any secs any time . instead of me sittin at home and wondering if dad s ok at rehab .
nah they wanna be at home and be left alone to sleep and get the lovin care from families . so anne3857 you are doing a fine job ,,,,

 
  •  Comments 1 to 5 of 5 

Add Your Comment

Please stay on topic or start a new discussion.

Find Senior Housing And Care That Fits You Needs

I am looking for:
Search location:











Housing


Care


Join the Discussion

Have a question? Just need to vent? Find answers and support from the real experts - other caregivers!

Stay Connected

Sign up for our newsletter and receive practical tips and support for caregivers

 

Like AgingCare.com on Facebook