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LauraY Asked May 2020

Sleeping A LOT. New phase of dementia?

My mom recently had a fall and surgery to repair a broken leg. She has strengthened and regained mobility through skilled nursing. She participates well in therapies and then goes to sleep-such deep sleep that she is difficult to wake. Some days she sleeps 18 hours a day. This is new. Its been about 75 days and they have removed all her meds except remeron to try to increase her appetite. Ideas?

Tothill May 2020
Let her sleep. She likely is exhausted from the healing process and therapy.

I often post here about Dad's sleep habits. Dad is now 91, he had a massive stroke 5 years ago, months of rehab and a remarkable recovery. He still does his daily exercises, first stretches in bed, then some free weights or a bit of time on his exercise bike in the afternoon.

He sleeps from 7 pm to 7 am, has a morning nap an after lunch nap and a late afternoon nap each day. If he has an outing, grocery shopping, Dr. Appointment etc, he is wiped out for the next day or two and each nap is even longer.

Dad also exercises his mind by doing Sudoku and other puzzles and keeps up with the news.

Needing extra sleep is not something I worry about at all. If Dad were not well rested, he would be at greater risk of falling.

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