Is sleeping 14+ hours a day abnormal for dementia patient?

My 88 yr old father isn't on BP meds but he goes to bed by 9 pm, sleeps in until at least 8 am and falls asleep several times a day in his very comfortable chair. We try to get him out when weather is nice and get him to move around during the day, but his mobility is limited by his legs. He is worried about not being able to control his bladder while he sleeps - although he hasn't wet the bed - so we put an incontinent pad and make Depends available to him if he chooses to use them. He prefers to get up once or twice a night "just in case". I also encourage him not to go to bed until after 8 pm or he might wake up in the middle of the night and be confused as to whether it is day or night.

my husband sleeps average 20 hours a day, he has vascular dementia and some other issues.....concerned it was his meds too. His palliative care doctor said his disease(s) are progressive, he has a lot of ischemic spots in his brain. It is such a horrible horrible disease.

adri2375 - We have had a similiar overnight problem with Mom, 94, getting up every couple of hours. I try to give her the meds earlier in the evening. Also, Mom is on hospice and they have helped with nurses who stayed in 12 hr. shifts. Hope you get some rest soon!

I agree with the BP thing. Have seen it first hand. My Mom goes to bed at 10pm and is up between 8 and 9 occasionally 10am. She only seems to nap when we have done something. Does doze. Last week for 3 days was napping a little more than usual. Asked my daughter, RN in rehab/nh, she said not to worry. Think she may have been up in the night. I don't tell her we r doing anything the day before. If I do, she is up in mid of night.

I will just echo BP medication. If it hasn't been tweeked in a while or her weight has changed might need to be changed. Plus there are newer and improved BP meds out there that might fit her better. Late stage dementia/alz. is when they usually sleep that much. Not all the time but usually. My mom is in mid to late stage and she sleeps at the drop of a hat. Anxiety meds do the same thing. Dr.'s appt. might be in order. AND to nhinchliff......I also envy you. I'm 63 and haven't slept 8 to 9 hours since I was a teenage. :)) God Bless and Happy Easter to everyone!

Btw, some corrections to my above statement:
She is up 3 to 6 times o/n sometimes an hr or two apart.

Embrace it while u can, actually!
Grandma, 88 with dementia, great appetite now but not 5 yrs ago, used to have that sleep pattern, but now she is up 3 to 6 hrs. Overnight and no one is getting any good sleep. If she naps in bed the best if fir 2 hrs., but is always waking after an hr. to use the bathroom. Just be mindful of UTI's, changes in meds., and just the changes in stages of dementia. She has an appt. Next week bcs we are ALL sleep deprived around here and hope we can get a solution for a good nights rest! Would love your issue! Lol.

You just like sleeping me dear and I so envy you xxxx

I am 84 years old and do not have dementia. I sleep on an average of 8-9 hours a night and take at least two naps a day. I am healthy, not on meds, and my doc says he's not concerned about the sleeping.

Hi Rich - I think a lot depends on the meds she is on and their interaction. Also if she has lost a lot of weight recently her meds need a review. Not everyone who oversleeps has a diorder. For some people alcohol and some prescription medicines result in oversleeping as does depression. Some people of course just like sleeping!
DO mention it to your doctor in case there are furtehr underlying reasons

The blood pressure medicines alone can make someone very sleepy... see if the doctor could adjust the dosage... I know those pills had zoned me out.

If your wife is mobile, try doing some walking with her... she will still nap but it will be a good nap and maybe not as long... plus give her an appetite.