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T
TDruggs Asked December 2020

Can anyone offer suggestions for help with sleep for mother who has dementia? I would prefer to use OTC sleep aid and not a prescription med.

BurntCaregiver Dec 2020
OTC sleep aids will not work for her. The families of so many dementia clients in homecare I've worked for say the same thing. That their LO is up all night long. They tried every holistic remedy there is for sleeping and nothing worked. Some even tried not letting their LO nap or doze off during the day. Nothing worked. You need a prescription sleep medication for her.

funkygrandma59 Dec 2020
Have you tried Melatonin? That is a natural remedy and folks usually have good success with it. You can start at the 3 mg. tablet, and go up from there if needed. It's much better(for her) than any OTC sleep aid, and she won't suffer any side effects. Good luck.

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sjplegacy Dec 2020
OTC sleep aids are not a good idea. Most, if not all, of these OTCs are antihistamines called anticholinergics. Benedryl, Unisom, Sominex, ZZZQuil and almost all drugs with PM (AdvilPM) contain these drugs. They have been linked to adverse effects on those with dementia. They may also nullify the effects of prescribed AD meds.

Some prescribed drugs can offer relief from insomnia at a price less than OTC meds. Talk to her dr for some safer options.
BurntCaregiver Dec 2020
Absolutely right. So many of the families I worked for over the years all said the same thing about their LO with dementia being up all night. The OTC meds do not work for that. You need a prescription
gladimhere Dec 2020
Try chamomile tea first and relaxing activities near bedtime. Is mom sundowning? If so meds most likely will be neceesary.

ZHomehealthCare Dec 2020
Hi, what state are you or mother in ?

polarbear Dec 2020
If you don't want a prescription med, then I recommend you ask a pharmacist. Do tell him/her what your mother's current meds are just in case of dangerous drug interaction.

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