I noticed quite a few people talking about sleep problems in a recent thread and wondered whether anyone could offer any advice or simply share their experiences as I always find this useful.
The previous few nights we have had trouble with my Nan being awake at night and roaming around the house (her room is downstairs as she can no longer manage the stairs) and waking us up. She keeps going back into the lounge and sitting in her chair. When asked she says she is waiting for someone to come down. This was never even her normal morning routine anyway and she's so obviously confused that I can't seem to apply any logic to any of it.
She clearly does not know it's the middle of the night anymore and none of us really know what to do about it. It's not even as though putting her back to bed is 'final' as she's forgotten within a few minutes.
My Nan has vascular dementia so I've always thought that her sleeping so much is to do with her heart, but something Bruce said about shifting time made me wonder whether this might be what's happening to her as she's on so many meds now.
If anyone can help in any way I'd really appreciate it. I think we'd all like a good night's sleep, or is being sleep deprived just something us carers have to get used to at some point?
I think the other main worry with my Nan is that we've been caring for her for around 11+ years now and I think we're all seriously fatigued and (already feel terrible for saying/thinking this) wondering how much longer my Nan will go on in this terrible state.
Emma
The previous few nights we have had trouble with my Nan being awake at night and roaming around the house (her room is downstairs as she can no longer manage the stairs) and waking us up. She keeps going back into the lounge and sitting in her chair. When asked she says she is waiting for someone to come down. This was never even her normal morning routine anyway and she's so obviously confused that I can't seem to apply any logic to any of it.
She clearly does not know it's the middle of the night anymore and none of us really know what to do about it. It's not even as though putting her back to bed is 'final' as she's forgotten within a few minutes.
My Nan has vascular dementia so I've always thought that her sleeping so much is to do with her heart, but something Bruce said about shifting time made me wonder whether this might be what's happening to her as she's on so many meds now.
If anyone can help in any way I'd really appreciate it. I think we'd all like a good night's sleep, or is being sleep deprived just something us carers have to get used to at some point?
I think the other main worry with my Nan is that we've been caring for her for around 11+ years now and I think we're all seriously fatigued and (already feel terrible for saying/thinking this) wondering how much longer my Nan will go on in this terrible state.
Emma