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My mom is 81 and when she does not sleep good the night before she is hateful and thinks everyone is against her and cries a lot, Then later on she will act like nothing happened and starts up a normal conversation. She seems to be happier when I take her shopping..Anyone else going through this?

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My mom gets that way too. My mom has schizophrenia and bipolar too but without sleep she's a lot worse. Unfortunately the mental illness also prevent her from sleeping. Is it possible your mom could have undiagnosed bipolar?
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Lets face it, we're all more crazy and easily agitated without enough sleep. As elders age, their sleep cycle, circadian rhythm is more easily disrupted...it's harder to stay asleep. Secondly, as dementia starts affecting the brain functions, one of those functions is our circadian rhythm which regulates sleep patterns and that starts to go too.

If I keep my mom busy and limit her napping during the day, she sleeps more soundly at night...she tends to nap for long periods during the day and is inactive on her own which translates into her being up all night and ornery during the day.

I try to make sure she gets outside, is mentally stimulated, shopping, playing cards or just short but frequent walks during the day around the neighborhood, around the yard, going to mailbox, etc.

Evenings I try to keep her up and maybe have a small glass of wine (she likes) an hour or so before bedtime.

Dr may offer a sleep aid, or you could try zzz-Quil, but these can be dangerous if they are too sleepy or disoriented if they have to get up at night to go to bathroom so beware.
you might give her a melatonin supplement before bedtime which isn't harmful and helps them sleep without drugging.

Also, routine is extremely important thru the day as well as good nutrition and limiting caffeine after lunch.

Hope this helps. Also consider a full physical and mental health work up by a geriatric doctor to rule out any underlying mental and physical issues like UTI, dementia, etc that can make her crazy and irrational.
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Sounds pretty frustrating to have your mom act like that. Does she take anything to help her sleep? My mom's neurologist put her on mirtazapine (Remeron) because my dad said she would get up in the middle of the night and when he would ask what she was doing, she wouldn't answer. We were afraid she would get hurt or leave the house. The mirtazapine helps her sleep but also helps stabilize her moods.

I agree with just those who say to step away from the situation (if you can, I don't know your whole situation) and let her be until she is ready to play nice.
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Im confused?? sleep or no sleep arnt these people just crazy my mum is up then down then nasty then sweet weepy then laughing isnt this all part of the craziness?
Why are you so shocked? I am pretty crazy myself when Ive had no sleep and totally mad when ive no coffee! x
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Geez Louise, let the woman pout!!! She only controls you because you let her control you and your family. Set limits with her and when she's moody and pouty, walk away - leave the room, let her sit by herself. Have the whole family leave the house if you have to! Quit jumping to her tune! Don't come back until she's able to act like an adult.

You're no longer a child - you're a grown adult woman with a family of your own. They come first - NOT your mom! Your mom's not the queen bee - treat her like another responsible adult in the family and maybe she'll start to act that way. If not, then find her other accommodations or let her stew in her own juice.

Your husband and your children should be your first priority, NOT your mom. Sorry to get so riled up, but I see this in so many threads - narcissistic moms who rule the whole family with their bad behavior. It's just not right!!
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My mother has acted crazy of and on throughout my childhood, She just gets much worse when she gets less sleep. She lives with me and controls my whole home. My husband and 2 kids and myself are not allowed to leave or she will pout. I remember my mom running down the highway in her gown when I was a little girl, She is a drama queen when she does not get her way, Just worse with no sleep..She does have blood pressure problems and thyroid, and some nerve neuropothy problems. This is her personality, No meds will change that.
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I don't mean to be flippant here, but I'm pretty grumpy and weepy myself if I don't get enough rest.... possibly mom is depressed, or her blood sugar is out of whack....maybe a good check up will help answer some questions... something is going on... I know it makes it hard for you, but you can't take her shopping every day.... let us know if you take her to the Dr and what was decided... sending you hugs...
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