All my mother does is sleep all day and night. I can't get her to do anything. Is this normal?

As people age, some sleep more and some sleep less. You mentioned her sleep patterns have changed since a year ago. is she exhibiting any other symptoms, like eating less, or signs of depression? Go back to your doctor and make sure he understands the Extent of your mom's sleep issues. Make it clear that she's not sleeping an extra few hours, but that its all day, every day. Also talk to him about any other symptoms she's having.

Did you mother go to NC after leaving her own home? If she did, and then she is going to be moving to your place, maybe she's having a hard time with the adjustments and with the upcoming move to your place? Might be good idea to check with your sister, which you probably have by now and see how she was acting/behaving there with her; then maybe check with your mom's doctor(s) to find out if there is any medical reason she's sleeping a lot more. I'm no expert, but I do have an 83 yr. old mother and I know she falls asleep a lot, but she also does not have many activities, no hobbies, really does not do a lot but only house hold activities like doing laundry, etc. I can see in my mother's case why she may retreat to sleep a lot, but it can be different for everyone and also medical reasons may be playing a big role. Wishing you and your mom all the very best !

Avie

Same thing with my MIL, she would sleep all day and night if I did not wake her to drink and eat. She sleeps more at night now too...she use to get up like 5-8 times a night to pee, now she sleeps. One problem is a UTI and the antibiotic. Doctor says it is ok. She has moderate dementia too, so alot going on here..maybe your mom is having UTI? My MIL doctor does not seem too concerned given her age and moving here, plus the UTI...I dont feel good about it either, but apparently as long as we get them to drink and eat so that they do not dehydrate then apparently geriatric doctor here says ok. She is 88 yrs old and had bad fall 3 weeks ago also..alot, but I suppose even without all of that he was not real concerned due to age and the dementia???? Hope this helps, but I would still talk to your sis and the doctor just in case.

Has her doctor put her on an anti-depressant. My mother is on one and it has improved her eating. However, now as she begins her third year in a nursing home, her dementia continues to worsen and she is sleeping more and more. Her personality has become more withdrawn.

MOM:

Looks like a classic case of severe depression, but I'd also take a good look at all the medications she's taking. They might be knocking her out and rendering her too tired to have a bite.

DON'T let her waste away. She must be evaluated immediately. Good luck.

-- Ed

My mother is 94 years old and all she wants to do is sleep.I wake her up to eat,(she does eat one good meal a day and drinks ensure in the morning) she gets up to use the bathroom. I get her seated in her chair and she sleeps in it. I was told her little body is tired, let her sleep. Somedays we are talking 18 to 20 hours sleep. Is all this a normal process of a"tired little body"?

Just to relate my experience with my Dad, he used to sleep constantly and only got up occasionally to eat --- several years. He was on an anti-depressant and a counselor came to the house. After his hip surgery a few months ago, I realized I would need to hire a caregiver for my Dad in addition to the caregiver we already had who was taking care of Mom. Although our private caregiver was able to take care of both parents before surgery, Dad needed more care and attention post surgery.

Fortunately our caregiver's husband was available part time and had experience AND agreed to help out. That's when his behavior began to change. He would stay awake for longer and longer periods of time. I think it was because he had a companion and his companion initiated activities --- engaged Dad in things Dad liked to do. Dad likes crossword puzzles, trivia games, doing searches on the internet --- Google earth takes you anywhere you want to go and he especially likes to go to the town he grew up in -- looking at old pictures.

We're now on the 5th month that he has been waking up in the morning and staying awake until about 4pm when he takes a nap before dinner ... then stays up until bedtime.

Like Carol72156, I have found that initiating activities is something my Mama can no longer do for herself and that sleep is her way of reacting to the boredom that ensues if she has nothing to keep her interest. She has Alzheimers, which is the cause of all this. In any case, people need to be active, mind and body, or else they will waste away.

My 93 year old mother was at home this past spring,summer, and fall at her lake property. She did not get dressed, slept a lot, and was extra irritable.
When she came to spend the winter with us for the third year, she never dressed and spent most of her time in bed.
She just moved into an independent living facility with meals in the dining room. She dresses every day, showers with the help of an available CNA, and is visiting.Having new people to meet seems to help.

Hello there. Is your mom on any kind of antidepressant or do you think her meds might have anything to do with this? Also, it may be possible that she is in pain or feeling so bad or that she is sleeping to escape these problems that might be caused by old age. Do you think she may be depressed or frustrated because she is in pain or whatever her health problems are? Maybe you could find her some activities to do during the day (or night) like reading, crocheting or embroidery. Hope some of these suggestions help you and your mom. This community is very helpful and you are not alone. Please come back and let us know how things are going. :- )