Excessive Sleep

Fran75

My husband is newly diagnosed early stage dementia, but has been sleeping excessively for sometime.  Is this normal?  Is this harmful?

smbren

Hi,

Could be normal.  Hard to say as it could have a lot to do with the medications he is on.  This is a talking point with his doctor.  Are you seeing a geri psych (I recommend) or a neurologist? 

My mom didn't really start sleeping more until she started being on more meds.  And my dad has said a number of times, maybe we shouldn't have her on so many.  In these cases I have to remind him why she is on them and what will be the outcome if we take her off or reduce the meds.  My mom had extreme agitation, anger, yelling, slamming and even throwing things.  So we must keep on these for her own safety as well as others.  So we do our best to work with the doctor and make sure we are given her the minimum dosages we can to still control the agitation, the delusions and the paranoia. 

It is my understanding that more sleep does come with later stages, but I don't know if that is often due to more medications as well.  

If you can list out the medications he is on, others may be able to comment if they have experience with the medications he is on.  
 

sandwichone123

My dh sometimes sleeps most of the day and then goes to bed early. My understanding is that it's very common in dementia.

windyshores

My mother sleeps a lot. Total hours wax and wane. I think it's fine but make sure it's not boredom or escaping.

VKB

Fran, Depression, medication, breathing disorders or illness, etc. could be the cause.  I would run it by his doctor.  Sometimes they develop infections that they or we are not aware of.  Peace always, VKB