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Medicines do not help my father sleep, they make him more agitated and awake. We have seen Neurologists and Psychiatrists, he doesn't sleep. What can we do?

Asked by jqueenlatte | Jul 10, 2010

My father is 89 yrs old. He has the internal clock shift. What do we do? Medicines to help him sleep make him more agitated and awake. We have seen Neurologists and Psychiatrists. He does not sleep. Please help, any suggestions

Answers 1 to 1 of 1

Carol Bradley Bursack, Jul 15, 2010

Over the span of two decades author, columnist and speaker Carol Bradley Bursack cared for a neighbor and six elderly family members. Because of this experience, Bradley Bursack created a portable support group, the book “Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories.” Her sites, www.mindingourelders.com and www.mindingoureldersblogs

Does he have Alzheimer's? This is normal (sadly for the caregiver). Other than quiet moods, not letting him sleep during the day, maybe music or a bath if he'll let you, there isn't a lot you can change. You could try a sleep specialist. Many medications have unpredictable effects on older people, so it may be a case of just trying one thing and then another.

Some natural things work, such as melatonin, but check with the doctor first. Same with the herb Valerian.
Good luck,
Carol

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