Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
L
Lynn47 Asked June 20, 2023

My husband living with dementia is having a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. He no longer attends adult day respite program.

He wakes up early 6:00 ish and needs much verbal encouragement from me to finally sit up and get up at 7:00ish. Goes to the bathroom. Doesn't want to get up at 6:00 which is fine because it gives me some quiet time. After getting up at 7:00ish he naps on his recliner for and hour or so. Then morning meds. Wondering if this is usual as he was always a cheerful riser.
Thanks for your help. I learn a lot from this forum.

AlvaDeer Jun 20, 2023
This sudden change is worth taking up with the doctor. At the least he should have a blood panel to ascertain that all is well with CBC and blood electrolytes, urine check.

If he checks out well, discuss this with the MD.
Over time, and usually gradually, the elderly, whether suffering dementia or not, become more and more tired. For my own father, who had no dementia, he said he basically just longed for the "long nap" and was exhausted all the time. He longed only to stay in bed and got up only to keep my Mom happy. He was in his 90s. He had had a wonderful life and he was simply ready to go. He quite simply longed only for 24/7 rest.

Good luck. See your MD and let us know any update.

funkygrandma59 Jun 20, 2023
Have you tried letting him sleep in a little later to see if that helps? I mean who wants to be getting up at 6:00 a.m. anyway when you don't have to?
Let him sleep in as long as he wants since he's no longer going to the adult daycare center anymore, and see if that doesn't make a difference.
The further along in the dementia journey he gets the more he will want to sleep, whether it's in bed or in the recliner.

My late husband in the later stages of his vascular dementia, slept anywhere from 16-20 hours a day. So yes, sleeping more is very common with this disease.

ADVERTISEMENT


Geaton777 Jun 20, 2023
What meds is he on? Sleeping pills? For mood/anxiety/depression? Just wondering since he may have depression and meds can help, if he isn't already on them. Sleeping pills may be affecting him, if he takes any.

You should probably start by calling his doctor. Then you will be better able to figure out if this is a medical or cognitive problem. I wish you success in working through this. Remember to take care of yourself as a priority.

Lynn47 Jun 20, 2023
Sorry, I forgot to add that my husband doesn't want to go back to bed once he is up. Thanks again!

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter