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I use some I'd read about in a decent article, the brand is NotPot, and the gummy has some melatonin in it as well. I plan to also try Charlotte's Web, which somebody told me about. As far as I'm concerned, these are miraculous. It's all legal where I am so no doctor involvement needed.
In addition the advice re: mother getting some exercise if possible is really important. Also about her doing anything that would use energy and tire her out somewhat, if she's able. I've seen videos where someone with dementia benefits from folding laundry, for example -- there's the concentration and also the feeling of being useful. Depending where she's at of course.
NEED TO CONSIDER?
Does your mom have dementia? what level?
Has she been medically evaluated? why? diagnosis?
How old is she?
Overall, personality, behavior?
* Exercise: swimming, yoga, weights, stretching:
- what can / can't she do?
- what is her mobility?
* Massage (touch is critically important) - perhaps a foot massage or a professional for a full body massage
* Music / CDs
- Guided meditations
* Possibly medication needed
* Manage / deal with anxiety / stressors (what are they?)
* Diet: what is it now? When is her last meal of the day?
- Does she drink coffee?
* Need for more socialization: she needs an active, reflective listener to 'get out whatever she is ruminating about in / swirling in her head - although this won't be enough. She does need this kind of support.
* There is a lot of information on the internet about sleep / disorders / remedies.
Likely a combination of new behaviors / interventions are needed to change this situation (medication may work although it isn't / doesn't consider all of the above that also would contribute to optimal health).
Some people have severe (negative) reactions to Melatonin. Be careful. And, Melatonin is not to be taken on a regular basis. Check with her health care provider.
I would support the medically prescribed cannabis sleep aids with low THC. Doesn't have to be a gummy - they seem to come in all ways.
Gena / Touch Matters
Is your mom waking too often to use the bathroom? Is anxiety keeping her awake?
Everyone is different. Some people swear by chamomile lavender tea.
Is she wandering or hollering or complaining or just lying in bed not sleeping. Is she functioning in a normal manner (for whatever her current state of health)?
how or why is her lack of sleep a problem?
She would stand at the top of the stairs and listen to 'hear' what was 'going on'. Studying, woman, we were STUDYING!
At midnight, on the dot, she'll yell down the stairs for my DH to 'take her home now, you've had enough time together for one day!' Rather than fight, (for crying out loud, we were 20 & 25, not teenagers) Dh would either hand me his car keys or run me home.
She has maintained for 47 years that due to this--she lost the ability to sleep.
Well, it's a confabulation, at best and a hurtful lie at worst. Of COURSE she's slept!
Now she is exhausted by the smallest of exertion, and at 92, we don't expect much, but she most definitely sleeps, and sleeps well. She watches TV all day long and if you drop by unannounced. she is always asleep in her recliner. She is in bed by 8 and not up again until 9 or 10 the next day. Trust me, she sleeps.
Complaining of poor sleep, or none, is fairly common. Being more active, cutting down on caffeine after, say 3 pm, keeping alert and busy during the day helps.
Any PCP can figure out a gentle drug campaign to get mom to sleep.
Clearing up the UTI and keeping it at bay should go a long ways to helping her.
Good Luck.
"I am caring for my mother Teresa, who is 89 years old, living in my home with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, depression, diabetes, hearing loss, incontinence, mobility problems, sleep disorder, and urinary tract infection."
"Working full time and taking care of mom."
Has she been recently seen by her primary physician? There are meds that can help but it will take time to find the right one, and for her body to acclimate to the medication. If they require her to come in person, I'd consult with the clinic to see what options there are. Others may suggest hospice, which doesn't necessarily imply end-of-life, but may be helpful since she has so many health issues.
You can also contact your county's social services to request an in-home assessment to see if she qualifies for any services. Also contact your local Area Ageny on Aging for more resources. As her care needs increase, and since she lives with you and you work full-time, you may want to consider is she qualifies for LTC. If she does, then and option would be to transitiion her to a facility and then apply for Medicaid. If you are in NY state, I think Medicaid has a 2.5 yr financial "look back" on the appliciation, and it may cover the cost of AL (which not many states do). Please explore all options before there is crisis. Eventually her care needs will overwhelm you. Then who will take care of you?