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Kaymus Asked August 2018

My father now sleeps so much, if you don’t wake him, he could sleep all night and majority of the day. I am concerned. Is this normal?

Is this due to his dementia worsening?

bookluvr Aug 2018
Sorry, I just read right below: Unfollow..Share...Aa... the continuation of your question "Is this due to his dementia worsening?". I'm still trying to get used to how the new website works. {eyes rolling.}

Go with your guts since most times it is accurate - especially if you've been involved with your father's care. I would say it is but … It's always best to get expert opinion from those who deals with this as their profession... like a doctor or a home care nurse.

wally003 Aug 2018
my dad slept a lot too. when he first went to assisted living I think one of the med techs was worried  - I wasn't really worried, because it was normal for him (had alzheimers)

when he lived at home (pre age 89) he would get up late. about 10am. I think my mom would tell him to get up, but he didn't listen. he would have breakfast. and then go sit in his easy chair. read the paper and fall asleep. til lunch time.

then go back and sleep off and on til dinner. if he had company, he would stay awake talking your ear off.

once in the AL facility, at (approx.)age 89 in 2011, he would do the same thing. they would DRAG/fight him out of bed (I never liked that part) in the morning to go down and have breakfast. then back in room to sleep in his chair. Any activity like reading or TV put him to sleep. you could wake him up though.

towards the end (2015) when he was 'sleeping' you couldn't really wake him up. he started tilting to the side/hanging out of his chair (not enough support) - since he had a fall and ended up in ER. he got on hospice. he spent the next month or so in bed with hospice. never was responding after that.

it doesn't hurt to check with the dr or hospice. will give you some support and peace of mind. plus they help with supplies and hospital bed etc. they help to make sure dads not suffering.

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bookluvr Aug 2018
It's really hard to answer without more details about your father. What is his ailment? Depending on his health issues, then others who are familiar with it would be able to answer your question more accurately.

My mom had dementia, bedridden and became vegetative state for years. So, for her case, her sleeping all the time meant she was close to the end. She used to sleep in the daytime but was awake during the nights (sundowning while bedridden?) But when I noticed she was always sleeping at nights, I knew we were entering the next stage... Then her stomach tube was no longer taking a full can of nutrient fluid. Another sign that she's closer to the end... See what I mean about knowing what's a parent's medical issue?

Without knowing what your father's issues are, it would be difficult for people to comment on such a broad question.

SueJord159 Aug 2018
I have no answer but my mom sleeps all the time too. She sleeps at night and much of the day. Sometimes hallucinating or speaking nonsense. Is it sleep or in and out of consciousness? I am at a loss.

Ahmijoy Aug 2018
You’re profile is blank so there isn’t much history to go on. If Dad isn’t eating or communicating, it may be time to call hospice care. On Monday, call his doctor and ask if they think he needs hospice. They can order it for you and hospice can determine if they’re needed.

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