From no sleep to lots of sleep?

Carrie2023

My mom has lived with me only for a month but while she was at her home, I watched her most of the day via cameras I installed for her safety.  She never slept - literally.  She would lay down or sit down, fall asleep, and 20 minutes later be up again pacing through the house.  When this happened, she would be even more forgetful, and began doing things that were dangerous, i.e., cutting an electrical cord with scissors.  Since she has been living with me, her sleeping pattern is much better to the point where she sometimes sleeps for 12 hours.  Sleep seems to be good for her moods and even her memory, but has anyone else experienced this? Is there such thing as too much sleep?

My thanks in advance for your advice and guidance!

GwendolynD

Hi Carrie2023,

I moved my Mom in with me 2 weeks ago.  Previous to moving to my home, she was not sleeping nearly as well as she is at my place. (I had cameras too).  My Mom still has her up at night times, but she is  sleeping longer in the morning and taking one or 2 substantial naps during the day.  I'm not interrupting this at all.  She has a doctors appointment in the next week and I might mention this. Overall I  I wonder if the added stimulation of being around others and perhaps better nutrition makes the difference.  My Mom seems happier too and I hope this continues.

Best of luck to you on this journey.

Carrie2023

Gwendolyn, I think you are right - stimulation from being around others and eating more nutritious and regular meals seem to be helping my mom overall. I'm trying to establish bedtime routines and that seems to help as well. She used to say she couldn't sleep because she was afraid she wouldn't hear something that is going on, but now that she knows we are taking care of everything, she seems more relaxed. Thank you for sharing, I appreciate it!

MN Chickadee

Sometimes when a PWD has the right structure, supports, routines, and nutrition they do better. It may be this is all just working better for her.  My mother slept more and more after stage 5, dozing after dinner and during the day. I would say 12 hours isn't too much, especially if she is moving and stimulated during the rest of her day. Most of us have to medicate the person to sleep even 6 hours straight! I would say take it when you can!

Carrie2023

Chickadee, thanks for your response. It's good to know that I may be doing things that are actually helping her (nutrition and a routine). I understand it may not last, so with your advice, I'm taking advantage!